Holly Wong
Biography
Holly Wong lives and works in San Francisco, California. She was educated at the San Francisco Art Institute where she graduated with a Master of Fine Arts with a concentration in New Genres. Holly creates installations and assemblages, integrating non-traditional approaches with more traditional sewing techniques associated with the history of women. Her approach is both non-conventional but also deeply rooted in her history and culture. She has been awarded visual arts grants from the Integrity: Arts and Culture Association, Barbara Deming Memorial fund, the George Sugarman Foundation, the Puffin Foundation, and a Gerbode Foundation purchase award. She has had over 70 group exhibitions and 10 solo exhibitions. She is represented by SLATE Contemporary Gallery in Oakland, California, ELLIO Fine Art in Houston, TX, and is a member of A.I.R. Gallery in Brooklyn, New York.
Artist Statement, Psyche
In creating this series, I was inspired by the Greek Goddess Psyche, who was known to represent the soul. In these mixed media works on wood panel, I collaged drawings in graphite that have been overlaid with gouache and candle smoke. I then added tulle netting that I had sewn through with various colors of thread. The drawings have an aspect of nature and grounding and speak to rock formations and gems. The netting is a metaphor for the spirit or Psyche that takes flight. These works emphasize that despite the challenges of our circumstances, there is always the potential for freedom and transformation.
Artist Statement, Chrysalis
Chrysalis is constructed of transparent, light reflective fabrics shaped around bonsai wire. I began by cutting the cloth into small shapes referencing early American quilt patterns. As I cut the intricate rectangles, squares and triangles, I started to form quilt blocks, sewing them, cutting them up and then sewing them back together again. This felt true to me as my life has been a constant process of mending.
The title Chrysalis references the metamorphous process of the butterfly. From outside appearances, one cannot tell that the butterfly is developing its beautifully patterned wings within the cocoon. Like the butterfly transforming in the cocoon, I too am secretly growing my wings. They are imperfect and their beauty lies in their imperfection. My wings are becoming stronger and stronger every day and I soon will be able to fly on my own.
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