Chelsea Tong

About

As an artist based in London and Beijing, my practice spans spatial design, graphic design, and illustration, rooted in my background in architecture and printmaking. My work exhibits a deep connection to the materials I use, often employing playful techniques to highlight their unique properties.

Ambiguity and blurriness are recurring themes in my work, reflecting the inherent uncertainty and complexity of perception. I am particularly fascinated by the interaction of light and shadow, creating transient, almost dreamlike effects. Through the use of soft tones, subtle gradients, and diffuse imagery, I evoke a sense of seeing the world through a haze, where details are obscured and meanings are not immediately clear.

The title of my series To See Flowers Through the Mist is derived from the Chinese idiom 雾里看花, which metaphorically signifies a blurred vision or the inability to see the truth clearly. This concept underpins my exploration into the intricate layers of perception and illusion. I draw on evocative imagery from various cultural metaphors, such as the Buddhist proverb mirror flower, water moon , and the English expressions through a glass darkly and smoke and mirrors, creating a poetic analogy for the illusion of reality.

ins @tcx_chelseatong

weibo & xiaohongshu @Chelsea-Tong