A pioneering Chinese-American artist who blended traditional and modern styles, creating iconic Disney movie concept art, including the beloved film Bambi. His work continues to inspire generations of artists and animators.
Tyrus Wong, a Chinese-born American artist, is renowned for his breathtaking work as the lead production illustrator on Disney's 1942 animated film, Bambi. Inspired by Song dynasty art, Wong's unique style brought the beloved forest creatures to life, leaving an indelible mark on the world of animation.
Wong was born as Wong Gen Yeo on October 25, 1910, in Toisan, Kwangtung, China. At the tender age of nine, he immigrated to the United States with his father, Ben Sy Po Wong, in 1920. The duo sailed to California, but Wong was initially held at the Angel Island Immigration Station due to the Chinese Exclusion Act. Separated from his father, Wong waited anxiously to be questioned about his identity, an experience that would forever shape his perspective.
Wong's artistic talents knew no bounds. He was a painter, animator, calligrapher, muralist, ceramicist, lithographer, and kite maker. His work spanned various mediums, from film production illustration to set design and storyboard art. Wong's impressive resume boasts collaborations with Disney and Warner Bros., as well as his contributions to the Works Progress Administration's (WPA) mural projects and Hallmark Cards' greeting card designs.
Wong's work in the film industry spanned over three decades, with his final project being the 1969 Western, The Wild Bunch. He retired from the film industry in the late 1960s, but his creative spirit remained unwavering.
Wong's post-retirement years were marked by a passion for kite design and ceramics. His kaleidoscopic kites, often inspired by traditional Chinese designs, soared to great heights, while his ceramics showcased his mastery of form and color. Well into his 90s, Wong continued to paint, sketch, and create, leaving behind a legacy of artistic brilliance.
In 2015, filmmaker Pamela Tom released the documentary film Tyrus, a poignant tribute to Wong's life and art. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, solidifying Wong's place in the annals of art history. At the age of 106, Tyrus Wong passed away on December 30, 2016, leaving behind a treasure trove of artistic contributions that continue to inspire generations.
Wong's artistic philosophy was rooted in the importance of cultural heritage and the power of art to transcend borders. His work embodied the fusion of Eastern and Western influences, reflecting his own experiences as a Chinese-American artist. Through his art, Wong conveyed the beauty of diversity and the importance of preserving cultural traditions.
"Art is a way to express the things that can't be said."
"Every brushstroke is a part of me."
These quotes, immortalized in the documentary film Tyrus, reveal the essence of Wong's artistic vision and his unwavering commitment to creative expression.
Born in 1901
Creator of beloved animated films and iconic characters, revolutionizing the entertainment industry with imagination and innovation.
Born in 1916
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Born in 1911
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72 Years Old
Creator of beloved Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, bringing magic to generations of children and families.
Born in 1912
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