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My Art Journey
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Since I was 8 years old, I started drawing. The curiosity of observing reality has never left me, in fact, it helps me to see life as it is. Most importantly, art helps me to go beyond our objective reality.
My current work explores the concept and the meaning of “futuristic-philosophical” art. As my wild imagination takes a turn on artificial intelligence (AI), I tell stories in each painting that AI is becoming a bigger part of our lives. From having a smartphone to self-driving cars, AI technology is everywhere whether we are ready or not. We can choose to embrace it or to fear that AI is here to destroy our humanity. Nevertheless, I believe that AI is a tool and so is art; it can be beautiful, playful, valuable, and didactic, simultaneously.
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Short Bio
After working as a graphic designer for 10 years, I am happy to dedicate my time on a fresh innovation of paintings. Four years of consuming arts and culture in Florence, Italy from 1991 to 1995 planted a seed, I came back to Toronto and started to paint tirelessly. For 15 years (2000 -2015), I ran a private art studio, teaching drawing and painting to children and adults including those with special needs. Recently, I have moved to New Hamburg in Ontario with my husband, enjoying a quiet life and having a different perspective on a new work in futuristic art. Educations Mohawk College - Autism & Behavioural Science, Online (2016) Ontario College of Art & Design University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Toronto, Canada (2014) Palazzo Spinelli - Painting Restoration, Florence, Italy (1994) Ontario College of Art - Fine Arts Diploma, Florence, Italy (1992) Sheridan College - Graphic Design, Oakville, Canada (1980) Awards Best in Show Award, Etobicoke Art Gallery, COAA (2018) Heather's Choice Award, Button Factory Arts, COAA (2018) Trillium Garden Award, Toronto (2010) Alan Fleming Award, Oakville (1980) Public Recognition March 3, 2020 - A one-hour Art Presentation for the KWSA monthly meeting at the Kitchener Community Centre, Kitchener, Ontario. April, 2017 - Invited to feature an art show at the Village Centre of Morningside Community in New Hamburg, Ontario. |
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Current & Upcoming Shows
March 17 - May 18 - featured exhibition with 3 other artists at the UpTown Gallery, inside the Waterloo Town Square, 75 King Street South, Waterloo, Ontario. Opening reception: Sunday, March 22nd, 3pm - 5pm. (Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 outbreak, UpTown Gallery is closed till April 6, 2020. This show is currently postponed till then.) Solo Exhibitions Gerrard Art Space Gallery, Toronto (2014); Bluff Gallery, Scarborough (2010); Cliffcrest Library, Scarborough (2006); Studio 21, Scarborough (2003); A Space Gallery, Toronto (2000); Canadian Academy for the Arts & Music, North York (1999); Library of British Institute, Florence, Italy, (1992 and 1993). Group Exhibitions Central Ontario Artist Association juried member show, Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery (2018); Featured Artist at the UpTown Gallery, Waterloo (2018); Central Ontario Artist Association juried member show, Art Gallery of Hamilton (2018); New Hamburg Studio Tour, New Hamburg (2017); Women Art Association of Canada, Toronto (2010-2015); Orange Art Gallery, Ottawa (2014); Bluff Gallery, Scarborough (2000-2015); Cedar Ridge Art Centre, Scarborough (2013); Scarborough Civic Centre, Atrium of Consillium, Scarborough (2002); just to name a few. |
Publications October 8, 2019 - An one-page article of the Waterloo Region newspaper called Record in the Arts & Life section; a headline “Ida Tong’s Imagination runs wild” to feature Ida’s latest paintings with a theme “Human Evolution to Artificial Intelligence” by an author, Terry Pender. March 2018 - A two-page article in the Baden’s Monthly Newsletter, volume 18, issue 8, page 10 and 11, featuring Ida Tong’s latest paintings and her art journey. 2014-2015 - A one-page with a short artist statement and two colour photos of Ida Tong’s latest paintings, published in an art book called International Contemporary Artists, volume IX, page 288, ICA Publishing, with editor and curator, Olga Antoniadou. |