BIO
Ian Ong is a Sculptor from Singapore, based in Baltimore, Maryland. He is a Visual Arts graduate of the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) at School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA), currently studying Interdisciplinary Sculpture at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). He is passionate about fantasy, and the construction of characters and worlds, and hopes to pursue prop design and production in the future. As a sculpture specialist at MICA, he has worked with a wide range of mediums and processes from blacksmithing to woodworking, and is particularly adept at using wire to create life-sized models of intricate detail. His more recent works include digital modelling and digitally fabricated mechanical sculptures. Ian has participated in many school exhibitions, and served as head curator in two of them in his last two years at SOTA.
Artist Statement
Play as a method of catharsis is central to my work. Attempting to form a collective narrative of a reality after our current era of humanity, my art is a means of processing my grief for the dying world around us.
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My current approach to this centers on the exploration of armour as a mask for the body, both as a reflection and extension of the fragile life it protects.
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Through the creations of characters and the forms their armour take, I aim to create pieces that inspire wonder and fascination in my audience. I employ a mix of traditional techniques and modern technologies to create fantastical sculptures that balance fragility and strength.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
2021 - Present
Interdisciplinary Sculpture Major, Product Design Minor
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SINGAPORE (SOTA)
2013 - 2018
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP)
EXHIBITIONS PARTICIPATED
Breakout:G2G Again
January 12 – February 12 2024
Night Owl Gallery
Visual Arts Graduating Showcase
30 Jun – 3 Aug 2018
SOTA Gallery
Please Do Not Touch: A Student Curatorial Project
28 Oct – 5 Nov 2017
SOTA Gallery
The Unforgetting Space
The O.P.E.N. Singapore International Festival of Arts,
29 Jun – 9 July 2017
Muhamad Sultan Road
3-Quarters: Year 3 and 4 Visual Arts Showcase
16 – 25 April
SOTA Gallery
Body, Heart, Soul
25 April – 1 May 2022
Cotyledon Art Gallery, Gallery 410
Reconstruction: A Student Curatorial Project
10 – 16 May 2018
SOTA Gallery
23:59: Year 5 Visual Arts Showcase
16 – 24 September 2017
SOTA Gallery
In an Echo We Remember
A Student Curatorial Project in conjunction with Curating Whampoa
7 – 16 April 2017
SOTA Gallery
3-Quarters: Year 3 and 4 Visual Arts Showcase
3 – 21 April
SOTA Gallery
Professional Experience
Student Technician
MICA Digital Fabrication
2021 - Current
Currently working as a student technician in the digital fabrication studios at MICA. Duties include managing the use of the studio, maintaining 3D printers and laser cutters, and assisting others with use of equipment and software for projects.
Art Instructor
Brave New Worlds, Amazing Arts Shuttle
2018 - 2022
Conducted a variety of art classes for children (ages 5-10) including camps, public art workshops, weekly Zoom and in-person courses demonstrating an array of mediums and materials.
Third Sergeant
Singapore Armed Forces
2019 - 2021
Completed 22 month long National Service in Singapore, serving as a third sergeant of the 39th Battalion Singapore Combat Engineers, Chemical Biological Radiological Defence (CBRD) unit.
Head Curator
Reconstruction
2018
Headed the curatorial team for the 2018 SOTA Student-Curatorial Project. Responsibilities included overseeing layout of exhibition space, collateral design, publicity, liaising with artists and exhibition installation.
Papermaking Intern
Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI)
2017
Worked under paper makers as part of the team creating one of Jason Martin’s artworks.
Residential Advisor
MICA Residence Life
2023 - Current
Currently working as an RA for MICA. Duties include conducting rounds in residence halls, assisting in opening and closing of halls, assisting residents with questions and running community events.
Boarding School Assistant
Cognita
2021
Worked for six months as a boarding assistant in a boarding house for international students. Duties included enforcing lights-out schedules, cleanliness and hygiene, as well as handling disciplinary and emotional issues.
Costume Technician
Universal Studios, Resorts World Sentosa
2018 - 2019
Created and repaired costumes for events and daily park operations as well as performed maintenance checks and responded to emergency repair requests.
Head Curator
23:59
2018
Headed the curatorial team for the SOTA Year 5 cohort work in progress exhibition, putting together more than 50 works in the show. Responsibilities included overseeing layout of exhibition space, collateral design, publicity, liaising with artists and exhibition installation.
GET IN TOUCH
I'm always open to collaborations, commissions, projects, opportunities, exhibition openings, or a campaign of D&D!
