3 minute read
BLINK ARTIST RESIDENCY ALUMNI NETWORK SPOTLIGHT WITH DAVID M. WONG
By Rachel Gisela Cohen
In the bustling cityscape of Chicago, artist David M. Wong, a participant in the Residency Alumni Network, finds both his home and inspiration. Specializing in digital photography, Wong employs intricate long exposure and projection techniques to craft pieces that serve as nuanced reflections of his personal experiences and immediate environment.
Joining the Residency Alumni Network was a deliberate choice for Wong, motivated by a quest for a supportive and inspiring environment. He sought a space where he could not only connect with like-minded individuals but also be immersed in unexpected and stimulating experiences to fuel his artistic journey.
Wong’s venture into public art took an unconventional turn when tasked with overseeing a building at One West Grand Avenue in Chicago, previously a brew pub restaurant. Recognizing an opportunity to transform the space into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, Wong faced a unique challenge with the expansive 20,000 square feet and minimal walls for traditional art displays in the lively River North neighborhood.
Inspiration struck during Wong’s SVA residency when he encountered the concept of a bring-your-own-projector show by fellow participant Trevor Nathan. Collaborating with artist friend Jeff Phillips, Wong envisioned using the building’s 14 massive windows as spaces to display artwork. Jeff’s fleet of 20 commercial-grade video projectors became the tools to bring this vision to life.
In February 2023, Wong orchestrated his first curatorial project by installing screens on the inside of the windows and using gray shower curtains. In April 2023, he organized the exhibition “Blink” for the Spring 2023 Residency Alumni Network cohort. The collaborative effort featured contributions spanning diverse art forms such as photography, painting, sculpture, fiber and video. The 100-plus images ran on each projector, creating a dynamic display where each window presented a unique combination of images. Group members contributed their work and time, creating graphics for social media, street displays and a web page for the exhibit.
The success of Blink propelled Wong into a realm of fearlessness regarding public art. Breaking free from the notion that art should be confined to indoor spaces with pristine white walls, Wong has since organized four more shows, including three for photographers and one interactive video exhibition.
Being a part of the Residency Alumni Network significantly influenced Wong’s artistic journey, exposing him to diverse techniques, philosophies and a collegial exchange of ideas. The experience of organizing shows not only enhanced his comfort with curation and operation but also inspired him to explore new mediums and venues, embracing a continuous evolution of his artistic expression. Wong emphasizes the network’s importance, stating, “It is invaluable to have people whose art I admire and whose opinions I trust.” David M. Wong’s journey reflects a fusion of innovation, collaboration and an evolving artistic mindset, nurtured within the Residency Alumni Network, as he continues to explore public art, testifying to the transformative power of creative communities.
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