The Simulacrum of Luxury: Biskwi Sandwich Biscuits
11 × 19 × 8 cm
This package of Biskwi sandwich biscuits resembles a well-known chocolate cookie brand, "Oreo". The biscuits consist of two dark cocoa-flavored wafers with a layer of sweet cream filling in between. Unlike the crisp texture of the original product they imitate, these biscuits are softer and slightly chalky, with a sweetness that feels more synthetic than rich.
Produced through large-scale industrial manufacturing, the biscuits likely rely on inexpensive ingredients such as palm oil and processed cocoa powder. Their long shelf life and low price point make them suitable for mass distribution in discount stores and global supply chains.
With a retail price of $1.75, the object’s primary use is simple: it provides a cheap and accessible snack. It offers calories and convenience, especially for consumers looking for the most affordable option available. At the same time, the packaging closely imitates the visual language of a well-known brand, suggesting a familiar treat even when the taste and texture differ noticeably.
As an everyday object, the Biskwi biscuit reflects a particular aspect of 21st-century consumer culture. It shows how discount markets reproduce the appearance of popular products while offering a more affordable alternative. In this way, the object reveals a society where the image of consumption is widely shared, even when the quality of what is consumed varies significantly.
Curatorial note: The visual similarity between this package and its famous counterpart is not accidental. It demonstrates how branding, imitation, and affordability intersect in contemporary mass consumption.
Sally Mao