R. Hong is an artist known for creating pieces using unconventional, everyday materials. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Melbourne, after which she moved to Shanghai for a career in architecture. Hong fell in love with the chaotic charm of the city, which was once home to her grandparents and her father. Inspired by the range of affordable materials available from wholesale markets and her surroundings, it was in Shanghai that she completed her first unconventional work, which was a portrait of Ai Weiwei, a Chinese contemporary artist made entirely out of sunflower seeds. Hong has been featured in publications including TIME, Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post and Fast Company. Hong is a multi-talented artist whose work is admired by many all over the world.
She has been in this industry for several years, and is a great source of inspiration to many upcoming artists. She has spoken at many international conferences on the topics of innovation and creativity, including the TEDxkl in Kuala Lumpur, APEC Young Entrepreneur Conference in Beijing, and EG Conference in Monterey, California. She also had a presentation at the 2015’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Hong is inspired by the nuances of the human experience and by human diversity and hopes her art and works will continue giving her the opportunity to learn from and share with different people and cultures. Her art is adorning the walls of many homes in China and beyond. She enjoys her work and feels happy every moment she’s at it.
