Matthew Wong’s artistic journey was tragically short, leaving admirers of his inaugural exhibition at Karma (March 22-April 29, 2018) to ponder the heights he might have reached had he lived longer. This self-taught painter only started painting in 2012, after earning an MFA in photography from Hong Kong. Tragically, Wong ended his life at 35, shortly after completing the pieces for his current show, ‘Matthew Wong: Blue’ at Karma (November 8, 2019–January 5, 2020).
The exhibition features fifteen paintings scattered across two galleries, an office, and a front window, alongside eleven smaller gouache and watercolor works in a nearby storefront gallery. Dominated by various shades of blue, Wong’s pieces explore traditional themes like landscapes and still lifes. In his debut show, I noted how Wong used lines, dots, and brushstrokes to create landscapes that tilt at surreal angles, embodying a tactile exploration of his imaginative terrains.
In ‘Blue Night’ (2018), a striking pink tulip dwarfs its surroundings in a dark blue room, drawing the viewer’s focus. This piece, like many others, invites a deeper contemplation beyond its seemingly simple composition. Wong’s art resonates with raw emotion, yet it is essential to view his work beyond the shadow of his tragic end.
‘Path to the Sea’ (2019) draws the observer into a journey through a forest path leading to the sea, inviting reflection on the solitary figure traversing it. Wong’s use of marks and brushstrokes creates a landscape that is both dreamlike and honest, evoking a sense of wonder and introspection.
Wong’s innovative techniques, such as the textured approach in ‘Look, the Moon’ (2019), reveal his evolving style. Throughout his work, Wong encourages solitude and contemplation, leaving the end of the journey open to interpretation. Despite his brief career, his impact is profound, and his absence is deeply felt.
‘Matthew Wong: Blue’ remains on view at Karma (188 East 2nd St. and 172 East 2nd St., Manhattan) until January 5.
