Gary Wong “New Work”, Paper and Canvas

About

Eastern Projects Gallery is pleased to present “NEW WORK”, Paper and Canvas a solo exhibition by renowned artist Gary Wong—his third with the gallery. Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, June 28, from 4 to 7 PM. Featuring a vibrant new collection of works on paper and canvas, the exhibition explores Wong’s deep connection to music, abstract painting, and his ongoing search for meaningful expression.

His pieces explore the tension between abstraction and representation, influenced by his lifelong love of American jazz and American abstract painting. As he explains, “I hear music when looking at paintings, and I see pictures while listening to music.” This unique perspective informs his creative process, echoing the evolution of both jazz music and abstract painting as distinct American Art forms.

Wong shares insights into his artistic journey:

“My interest and work over the years has led me to investigate and expand on the notion of man’s need to make a mark and to find a meaningful vehicle for doing so. This includes seeking truth in materials and methods, as they apply to Modern American Abstract Painting. I find that the process of creating in this way is very close to composing and playing American jazz music.”

Today, Wong’s work continues to resonate for its emotional depth and cultural richness. His ability to weave together elements of his heritage with the music and movements of his time has made him a vital figure in contemporary art. Each piece in “NEW WORK” functions as a visual composition, resonating with the emotional and rhythmic qualities of music and poetry. The exhibition invites viewers into Wong’s dynamic creative process, where the boundaries between sound and sight blur. 

Following the exhibition, Wong has been selected for a prestigious three-week Artist-in-Residence program at McColl Center for Art and Innovation in Charlotte, North Carolina, scheduled in the Fall 2025. This internationally acclaimed residency offers artists the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in their creative practice. He’s eager to explore casting, painting, and printmaking. He will also work as a mentor with a cohort of McColl Fellows completing their residencies. 

This residency marks a significant milestone in Wong's career, offering a platform to expand his interdisciplinary approach that intertwines visual art and music as interconnected forms of expression.