There’s an old adage which states that before making a judgement about someone, it is necessary to walk a mile in their shoes. This saying embodies the spirit behind the work of artist Holly Wong; in her paintings, her writings and her life.
In "Testimony," her exhibit at Bemidji State University’s (BSU) Talley Gallery, Wong displays profound works showing scenes of pain, warfare, bloodshed and suffering in a visually striking and emotionally stirring way, giving the viewer a first-hand look into the lives and deaths of their fellow human beings.
Wong, an accomplished painter and writer with a history of work with non-profit organizations, uses her art to reflect the suffering of people who have lived with war and poverty, and who have seen the destructiveness of violence and crime. It also expresses a struggle with unfair working conditions, sickness and injustice.
As an artist, Wong’s desire behind each painting is for it to “bear witness to suffering, to transform society by serving as a mirror. As an artist [she] invoke[s] a visual language to inspire people to feel more deeply for those in their community, and the world abroad.”
Wong certainly succeeds in this respect; each painting is haunting, startling and sobering in turn, giving realistic, and at times impressionistic, views on the human condition. Whether she is depicting a scene of conflict or a photo of a young soldier, Wong’s belief in the causes she supports and her desire to create empathy can be seen clearly in each individual piece.
For fifteen years, Wong has worked with different non-profit groups, fighting against unfair working conditions and labor practices. During this time, she wrote extensively on the things she experienced, and gained the experience that gives each of her paintings its emotional depth.
“Art has always been my voice of resistance,” said Wong. “My way of making a contribution as a world citizen.”
She uses her paintings to reach out and be a witness for those who may not be able to speak for themselves. She works with the idea that it is only after people as human beings can learn to understand the pain of fellow man that they can begin taking steps towards a real, lasting change.
"Testimony" opened on Jan. 13 and runs until Feb. 5. The Talley Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact Talley Gallery Director Laura Goliaszewski at (218) 755-3708.
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