Artist’s Statements
‘We don't just take pictures with our cameras, we bring to photography all the books we've read, the films we've seen, the music we've listened to, the people we've loved.’
-- Ansel Adams(1902-1984)
ToNgbO Dong is a contemporary photographer and performance artist whose artistic practice multiple forms of expression. The research direction of his work delves into anthropology and sociology, discussing in depth the relationships between people in society and exploring the impact of politics on human development. He used this time to consider all the variables and elements of his practice from a sociological or anthropological perspective. His camera acts as a mirror, showing how the democratic nature of photography can be used to visualise social issues, provoke dialogue and shift assumptions.
ToNgbO's work is full of symbolism and is meant to be read and evaluated. If visual elements suggest one thing but represent another, what constitutes a complex story? His images not only transcend the boundaries of photography, but also mimic painting and different types of art by experimenting with digital techniques such as 3D scanning, collage and 3D printing. Laser cutting is also used to engrave on various materials to enrich his artworks beyond photography. His approach is more akin to another language as the work provides a realistic measure and explanation of the complexity of social life.
ToNgbO's work is full of symbolism and is meant to be read and evaluated. If visual elements suggest one thing but represent another, what constitutes a complex story? His images not only transcend the boundaries of photography, but also mimic painting and different types of art by experimenting with digital techniques such as 3D scanning, collage and 3D printing. Laser cutting is also used to engrave on various materials to enrich his artworks beyond photography. His approach is more akin to another language as the work provides a realistic measure and explanation of the complexity of social life.