Ming Ong
Contents
Biography
Ming Ong is an artist and designer, based in Los Angeles, California. Her artwork reflects her international upbringing and inclusive worldview.
At first, Ming's paintings seem to be just sweet, innocent illustrations of children and animals, hearkening back to classic children's books. Upon closer examination, they reveal a darker, more dangerous side.
Viewers are tempted to laugh at these humorous juxtapositions. Then they're challenged to discern their deeper, hidden meaning. Indeed, beyond the bright colors, illustrated style, and nostalgic feel are thoughtful, incisive comments about society and culture.
Ming's artwork is inspired by her rich childhood memories of Southeast Asia and insular experience as a Chinese immigrant growing up in Canada. Recurring themes in Ming's work include loss of innocence, emotional detachment, moral confusion, and cultural disconnect.
Her influences include mid-century American advertising, 80's American cartoons, Chinese propaganda art, Japanese pop culture, and vintage children’s book illustrations, as well as artists Johannes Vermeer, Francisco Goya, Edouard Manet, Francis Bacon, and Jessie Wilcox Smith.
Ming is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design, majoring in illustration. She has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows across California, and her illustrations have been published in the New York Times, American Illustration 29, Village Voice, LA Weekly, The Stranger, Bitch Magazine, and many others.
Designed Toy Releases
These are toys designed by Ming.
Toy Series Participation
These are toys that Ming has lent her design skills to.
Customs
These are one-off, or very limited, pieces.
- Piece(s) for Wonderland Summer Spectacular, 2016
- Piece(s) for Year of the Monkey, 2016
- Piece(s) for Cute Every Day, 2016
Images
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