Sep 20, 2020Being UniqueMy late brother, Wesley Tongson’s work is considered unique by many experts. There is his signature style of splash ink landscapes during his active years. Then, the finger paintings during his mature years near the end of his life. I often wondered why his art was unique. Going through his…Art4 min read
Oct 18, 2019The Missing LinkWe are fortunate when Wesley passed away, he left us works that span many years. One could trace his development. Although he had not kept his earliest works, he was good at documenting with photographs. The only period that was missing was his “Toronto period”, from 1977 to 1981. This…Art3 min read
May 26, 2019The Mystery of A NameStarting in 2009, at age 52, Wesley used his sobriquet, “Mountain Taoist” (Shandou Daoren). When I first came upon these works, it puzzled me. Why did he not sign with his name, what did his sobriquet mean and where did it come from? I asked my parents, they had no…Art3 min read
Feb 22, 2019Slow Dancing with ArtThe title is taken from the meditation workshop, Slow Dancing with Art: Mindfulness and Art. The workshop is being held at my late brother, Wesley Tongson’s exhibit. The instructor teaches techniques that engage the mind and body with the art. This immediately peeked my interest when I first read about…Art3 min read
Dec 30, 2018Abandonment Of The Brush, part 2When one thinks of finger painting, usually children’s finger painting comes to mind. I had no idea painting with fingers, the work could be as strong, and yet, more powerful than painting by brush. It was the spring of 2009 in Hong Kong, I invited Wesley out to dinner at…Hong Kong3 min read
Sep 10, 2018Abandonment Of The Brush, part 1In 2004, while on a trip back home, Wesley asked me to come up to view his recent works. I wondered what new breakthrough he had with his colorful splashed ink paintings. When I arrived at his apartment and saw what he was presenting to me, I was in shock…Art2 min read
May 2, 2017Looking Beyond the SurfaceWhen I used to look at art, I never felt much from the works, it was strictly visual. Usually, it was either the composition or the colors that attracted me, I liked what I saw and that was it. There was never any need to look deeper, beyond the surface…Art4 min read
Mar 1, 2017A Mover and Shaker of a different kindInspired by the 20th century master Zhang Daqian, Wesley started to explore splashing ink while he lived in Canada (1977–1981). In his active years, from mid 1980’s to late 1990’s, he was best known for these splashed ink works. A technique he perfected from years of practice, well into mid…Art4 min read
Dec 28, 2016Two of the Four GentlemenIn Chinese painting, plants are important subjects. “The Four Gentlemen” refer to the plum, the orchid, the bamboo and the chrysanthemum. Each symbolizing esteemed characters and morals. Other than their refined beauty, they also represent the four seasons. The orchid for spring, the bamboo for summer, the chrysanthemum for autumn…Art4 min read
Oct 31, 2016Getting to know my brotherThis journey started shortly after my brother’s death. While cataloging his paintings, his different styles and evolvement began to emerge. I was already infatuated. But, what was the thinking behind these works? How did they evolve? I had all the questions but none of the answers. A year later, the…Meditation3 min read
