In the bustling cityscape of Chicago, artist David M. Wong, a participant in the Residency Alumni Network, finds both his home and inspiration. Specializing in digital photography, Wong employs intricate long exposure and projection techniques to craft pieces that serve as nuanced reflections of his personal experiences and immediate environment.

Joining the Residency Alumni Network was a deliberate choice for Wong, motivated by a quest for a supportive and inspiring environment. He sought a space where he could not only connect with like-minded individuals but also be immersed in unexpected and stimulating experiences to fuel his artistic journey. Wong’s venture into public art took an unconventional turn when tasked with overseeing a building at One West Grand Avenue in Chicago, previously a brew pub restaurant. Recognizing an opportunity to transform the space into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, Wong faced a unique challenge with the expansive 20,000 square feet and minimal walls for traditional art displays in the lively River North neighborhood.

Inspiration struck during Wong’s SVA residency when he encountered the concept of a bring-your-own-projector show by fellow participant Trevor Nathan. Collaborating with artist friend Jeff Phillips, Wong envisioned using the building’s 14 massive windows as spaces to display artwork. Jeff’s fleet of 20 commercial-grade video projectors became the tools to bring this vision to life.

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