Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jasper Wong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jasper, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
In 2023, we made the momentous decision to relocate our annual mural festival from Kakaako to the Kalihi district. Kalihi holds a special place in my heart as my mom used to have a bakery there. However, it is also a vastly underserved area, predominantly inhabited by low-income families and public housing. As I started teaching art classes at a community center in Kalihi, I witnessed firsthand the pressing need to support the families in this neighborhood and enhance it with the transformative power of public art, which ultimately inspired me to move the festival to Kalihi.
Allow me to share a heartwarming story from our experience painting public housing communities in Worcester, Massachusetts. During the festival, a mother of two daughters approached us and shared that her eldest daughter had always been embarrassed to disclose where they lived due to the stigma surrounding public housing. However, after the festival, her youngest daughter proudly revealed their residence to someone, who responded by asking if that was where all the painting was happening. The impact of this simple exchange meant everything to the family, as it instilled a newfound sense of pride in the girls about their home. We aspire to achieve similar positive transformations in other underserved communities through our public art initiatives.
In May of 2023, we collaborated with over 80 artists and painted over 70 murals in the Kalihi district. These vibrant artworks breathed life into community centers, public schools, and museums, transforming once drab spaces into lively and engaging environments. The festival’s presence uplifted the community and revitalized forgotten areas, fostering a profound sense of pride among its residents.
Our commitment to utilizing public art as a catalyst for change extends beyond Hawaii. In addition to our work in public housing communities in Massachusetts, we have also undertaken projects in red-lined districts in Cleveland, libraries in California, and even schools for homeless children in Kathmandu. These experiences have reinforced the profound impact that art can have on communities and the individuals within them.
Public art goes beyond mere decoration; it has the power to unite, inspire, and revitalize. By moving the festival to underserved areas and infusing them with color, creativity, and cultural expression, we hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who call these communities home. The positive impact of public art extends far beyond its visual appeal, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of people, fostering a sense of belonging, pride, and empowerment. As we continue our journey, we remain dedicated to using art as a force for positive change in communities worldwide.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Jasper Wong is a multi-talented artist, visionary illustrator, and dedicated curator whose creative journey has left a vibrant mark on the global art scene. With an impressive portfolio and an inspiring passion for community enrichment, Jasper’s impact extends far beyond the canvas.
As an artist, Jasper Wong’s work has graced exhibitions across the world, captivating audiences in Japan, California, France, London, Mexico, New York, Hong Kong, Chicago, and Australia. His artistic prowess has garnered recognition from esteemed publications like Communication Arts, Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, Taschen’s Illustration Now, and more. With a prominent presence in renowned platforms such as Hypebeast, Booooooom, and Vice, Jasper’s artistic brilliance has earned him a place among the influential HB100 list, sharing the spotlight with icons like Kaws, Pharrell, Banksy, Jay Z, and Kanye West. His illustrious clientele, including brands like Hulu, NBA, Uniqlo, Versace, Microsoft, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Toyota, and Marvel, speaks volumes about his creative impact on various industries.
Beyond the canvas, Jasper Wong is the visionary founder of ABOVE SECOND, a Hong Kong gallery that has received accolades from prestigious publications like Monocle and CNN, further cementing its reputation as one of the city’s finest art havens. Jasper’s creative spirit also led him to establish POW! WOW!, a remarkable non-profit organization that brings together contemporary artists to empower communities through art outreach programs and educational initiatives. The festival’s reach spans across 25 cities worldwide, from Honolulu to Taipei, Tokyo to Nepal, Guam to Seoul, and beyond, fostering a global network of artists committed to creating and appreciating art for the betterment of society.
Jasper Wong’s dedication to nurturing creative talent knows no bounds. As the co-founder of LANA LANE STUDIOS, he has established a creative community center that fosters collaboration, inspiration, and growth among artists. But Jasper’s altruism doesn’t stop there. In his free time, he selflessly contributes to his community by teaching art classes at Palama Settlement, a community center in an underserved area, empowering individuals through the transformative power of art.
Jasper Wong’s journey is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the world through artistic expression and community engagement. His colorful brushstrokes on canvas are mirrored by the lasting impression he leaves on the lives of those he touches through his art and community endeavors. As Jasper continues to paint the world with his creativity and compassion, his legacy as a visionary artist and community leader will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Supporting artists and creatives goes beyond just purchasing their work. There are numerous ways to show appreciation and contribute to their success without spending money. Here are some further explanations of the different ways to support artists:
Liking and Engaging on Social Media: Social media platforms are powerful tools for artists to showcase their work to a wider audience. By liking their posts, commenting on their work, and sharing it with others, you can increase their visibility and reach. Engaging with their content also boosts their algorithms, making it more likely for others to discover their art.
Sending Words of Encouragement and Appreciation: Artists often pour their hearts and souls into their creations. Receiving positive feedback and encouragement can be incredibly motivating and uplifting. Sending a heartfelt message expressing your admiration for their talent and hard work can brighten an artist’s day and spur them on to continue creating.
Sharing Their Work with Friends and Family: Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool. When you share an artist’s work with your friends and family, you introduce them to new audiences who might be interested in supporting the artist or purchasing their art. This kind of organic promotion can lead to valuable exposure and potential opportunities for the artist.
Attending Events and Exhibitions: Artists often showcase their work at exhibitions, galleries, or events. By attending these shows, you not only show your support for the artist but also contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the art community. Your presence at events can encourage the artist and make them feel valued.
Volunteering and Collaborating: If you have skills that align with the artist’s needs, consider offering your help as a volunteer. Whether it’s assisting with event organization, social media management, or even providing feedback on their work, your contribution can be immensely valuable. Collaboration on creative projects can also be an enriching experience for both parties involved.
Writing Reviews and Recommendations: Leaving positive reviews for an artist’s work on platforms like online marketplaces or their website can encourage potential buyers and collectors. Additionally, recommending the artist to art enthusiasts or relevant publications can increase their visibility and reputation.
Advocating for Fair Compensation: Raise awareness about the importance of fair compensation for artists and creatives. Encourage others to value and respect their work by advocating for payment that reflects the time, effort, and talent invested in their creations.
By engaging in these various ways, you become a vital part of the artist’s journey. Your support fosters a thriving ecosystem where artists can continue to create and contribute to the enrichment of society through their unique expressions. Remember that every small gesture counts, and collectively, these actions can significantly impact an artist’s career and well-being.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Growing up as a second-generation Chinese immigrant to America, the notion of success was intricately tied to financial prosperity in my family. From an early age, I was taught that the pursuit of money was not just important; it was the ultimate measure of achievement and happiness. My parents, who had worked tirelessly to build a better life in this new land, instilled in me the belief that financial wealth was the key to a fulfilling life.
This constant emphasis on money impacted the way I approached my work and set my career goals. The desire to achieve financial success was the driving force behind my ambitions, and I believed that accumulating wealth would be the sole source of my happiness and self-worth. My grandmother’s words, echoing in my mind, further cemented this belief when she once remarked that my chances of finding a girlfriend would only improve when I made more money.
It was a gradual and challenging process to unlearn the deeply ingrained beliefs about success that I had grown up with. As I opened my mind to new perspectives, a shift occurred within me. I started to value giving back to communities and supporting people as a more meaningful measure of success. I realized that true happiness comes not from the number in my bank account, but from the positive impact I could have on the lives of others.
Instead of solely pursuing financial gains, I sought opportunities to contribute to causes I deeply cared about. I started engaging with charitable organizations and volunteering my time to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. With each act of kindness and support, I felt a sense of fulfillment that money could never provide. The relationships I built with those I helped and the gratitude I received became the most rewarding aspects of my life. I discovered that success, for me, meant making a positive impact on others and contributing to the well-being of my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jasperwong.net
- Instagram: @mrjasperwong
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrjasperwong
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mrjasperwong
- Twitter: @mrjasperwong
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@worldwidewalls
Image Credits
Portrait credit to Andrew Tran. Other photos credit to Brandon Shigeta.