Oct 2- Ming Ong at oh, hello friend

September 30, 2015 in Downtown Fullerton Art Walk

oh, hello friend shop is happy to feature artist and designer Ming Ong on Friday, October 2, from 6-10pm. Based in Los Angeles, Ming Ong’s 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.