London's National Gallery to Celebrate 200 Years with Ming Wong as Artist in Residence
The Singaporean artist is excited to ‘re‑navigate [himself] in the journeys of European art’ as the London institution nears its bicentennial. Save to My Ocula
Berlin-based artist and filmmaker Ming Wong will spend the next year working from a studio at London‘s National Gallery bringing his identity-exploring eye to its sprawling collection.
As the fifth artist in residence, Wong will produce work responding to both the National Gallery’s collections in the Western European tradition and the modern and contemporary Welsh paintings of Swansea’s Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.
The year-long residency will culminate in a publication and presentation this winter, in addition to a permanent acquisition for the Welsh partner museum.
The jury chose the Singaporean artist for his career-long engagement with the cinematic canon, adding that they were excited about his use of homage and how it could be leveraged to celebrate or challenge views of the museums’ collections.
Daniel F. Herrmann, curator of modern and contemporary projects, said the National Gallery is excited to work with Wong as it reflects on its 200-year history.
‘With genuine compassion, curiosity and grace, Ming Wong’s work asks how the images and culture around us create notions of ourselves and others,’ he said.
Wong’s films and performances are known for re-staging scenes from world cinema with an interest in the politics of representation. In 2009, his presentation for the Singapore Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, Life of Imitation, was awarded a special mention.
Wong was enthusiastic about being given the opportunity as the gallery nears its 200-year birthday, a milestone it is marking with a rehanging of its collection.
‘There isn’t a better time to reimagine the stories that these characters and creatures inhabiting these worlds can tell one another, and their exchanges that cross centuries and civilisations beyond the frames,’ he said.
The National Gallery’s artist-in-residence programme is conceived with the Contemporary Art Society as part of the Gallery’s Modern and Contemporary Programme.
Previous appointees include Rosalind Nashashibi (2020), Ali Cherri (2021), Céline Condorelli (2023), and Katrina Palmer (2024). —[O]
Main image: Ming Wong. Photo: © The National Gallery, London.
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services