Auspicious
Nick Dong
Auspicious 88 - Two Golden Fishes of Connectivity 2024
Metallic paint with drawing on high density foam with epoxy, acrylic mirror, fabric, steel, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Image courtesy of studio DONG
December 19, 2024 (Palo Alto, CA) - Qualia Contemporary Art is pleased to announce Nick Dong: Auspicious, an immersive solo exhibition of 13 works by the Oakland-based artist. Dong’s technologically engaged work reflects his Taiwanese-American identity and Tibetan Buddhist upbringing, referencing spirituality and heritage through a distinctly contemporary lens. At the exhibition's core are the first 11 works of an ongoing series of 88 works entitled “Auspicious 88”, which is set to be complete by 2028. Two separate series of pencil and ballpoint pen drawings on acrylic will complement this monumental project in the gallery. Nick Dong: Auspicious will be open to the public from January 11, 2025, to March 1, 2025, with an opening celebration hosted on Saturday, January 11, from 4:30-6:30 PM PST. For more information, please visit www.qualiagallery.com.
CATALOG INDEX
Auspicious 88 - Dharma Wheel of Time|2023, 61 x 54 x 16 in (154.94 x 137.16 x 40.64 cm), 9 antique wooden clocks, glass mirror, LEDs, brass, aluminum, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Auspicious 88 - Infinity Knot of Gravity|2025, 17 x 17 x 11 in (43.18 x 43.18 x 27.94 cm), Walnut, brass, glass mirror, LEDs, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Auspicious 88 - Infinity Knot of Reality & Surreality|2024, 37.5 x 37.5 x 37.5 in (95.25 x 95.25 x 95.25 cm), Acrylic mirror, graphite drawing on high density foam with epoxy, antique furniture, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Auspicious 88 - Lotus of Introspection|2024, 27 x 19 x 65 in (68.58 x 48.26 x 165.1 cm), Brass, high density foam with colored epoxy, acrylic mirror, wood with graphite, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Auspicious 88 - Lotus of Living & Dying|2023, 47 x 47 x 12.5 in (119.38 x 119.38 x 31.75 cm), Graphite drawing on high density foam with epoxy, mirror, LEDs, acrylic mirror, aluminum, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Auspicious 88 - Lotus of Time|2025, 20 x 20 x 10 in (50.8 x 50.8 x 25.4 cm), Mahagany, brass, glass mirror, LEDs, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Auspicious 88 - Parasol of Luck & Prosperity|2025, 16 x 16 x 16 in (40.64 x 40.64 x 40.64 cm), Diamonds, 18K white gold, glass mirror, wenge wood, copper, LEDs, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Auspicious 88 - Treasure Vase of Gravity|2024, 29 x 29 x 60 in (73.66 x 73.66 x 152.4 cm), Gold, copper, brass, steel, poplar wood, LEDs, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Auspicious 88 - Two Golden Fishes of Connectivity|2024, 33 x 33 x 42.5 in (83.82 x 83.82 x 107.95 cm), Metallic paint with drawing on high density foam with epoxy, acrylic mirror, fabric, steel, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Auspicious 88 - White Conch Shell of Desire|2024, 25 x 27 x 32 in (63.5 x 68.58 x 81.28 cm), Graphite drawing on high density foam with epoxy, mirror, LEDs, brass, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
CATALOG INDEX
Giving and Receiving of Blessing|2024, 18 x 16 x 2 in (45.72 x 40.64 x 5.08 cm), Ridged foam, epoxy, fiber glass, metallic paint, acrylic paint, pencil, ball pen. 22K gold leaf.
Moonlight Thangka|2024, 88 x 15 x 2 in (223.52 cm x 38.1 cm x 5.08 cm), Ridged foam, epoxy, fiber glass, acrylic paint, pencil.
Time between Flower|2022, 76 x 39 x 2 in (193.04 x 99.06 x 5.08 cm), Ridged foam, epoxy, fiber glass, metallic paint, acrylic paint, pencil, ball pen.
Nick Dong (b. 1973, Taiwan; based in Oakland and Taipei) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work transcends the boundaries of traditional art, blending ancient symbolism, contemporary technology, and immersive experiences. Known for his innovative mixed-media sculptures, wearable art, and large-scale installations, Dong’s creations challenge the viewer to move beyond observation, transforming static objects into participatory events that evoke introspection and wonder. His art is not complete until it is encountered, emphasizing the viewer's role in bringing it to life.
Dong’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in his Taiwanese-American heritage and Tibetan Buddhist upbringing. Drawing on these influences, he explores themes of spirituality, interconnectedness, and the cyclical nature of life. His work reinterprets traditional symbols and narratives, offering modern perspectives on universal ideas such as impermanence, renewal, and the balance between the material and spiritual realms. By creating spaces for contemplation, Dong invites viewers to engage with his art on an emotional, intellectual, and sensory level, fostering a profound connection with the works and their underlying messages.
Auspicious 88 - Dharma Wheel of Time
2023, 61 x 54 x 16 in (154.94 x 137.16 x 40.64 cm)
9 antique wooden clocks, glass mirror, LEDs, brass, aluminum, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Image courtesy of studio DONG
Auspicious 88 - Infinity Knot of Gravity
2025, 17 x 17 x 11 in (43.18 x 43.18 x 27.94 cm)
Walnut, brass, glass mirror, LEDs, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
At the core of Dong’s practice is his unparalleled mastery of materials and techniques. Combining metalsmithing, advanced engineering, and multimedia components, he seamlessly integrates traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. His works incorporate metals, wood, acrylic, light, sound, and kinetic mechanisms, often powered by microcomputers. These technological elements are meticulously concealed, preserving the mystique and inviting viewers to focus on the experience rather than the mechanics. This synthesis of innovation and tradition positions Dong as a pioneer in the realm of contemporary art, where his works transcend the visual to engage all the senses.
One of Dong’s most ambitious endeavors is the ongoing “Auspicious 88” series, a monumental project inspired by the Eight Auspicious Symbols in Buddhist teachings. Each piece reimagines a traditional symbol—such as the lotus, conch shell, and infinity knot—through a contemporary lens, exploring themes of abundance, connectivity, and life’s cyclical nature. The number 88, symbolizing infinity and renewal, serves as the foundation for the series, aligning with Dong’s exploration of transformation and continuity.
Auspicious 88 - Infinity Knot of Reality & Surreality
2024, 37.5 x 37.5 x 37.5 in (95.25 x 95.25 x 95.25 cm)
Acrylic mirror, graphite drawing on high density foam with epoxy, antique furniture, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Image courtesy of studio DONG
Auspicious 88 - Lotus of Introspection
2024, 27 x 19 x 65 in (68.58 x 48.26 x 165.1 cm)
Brass, high density foam with colored epoxy, acrylic mirror, wood with graphite, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Image courtesy of studio DONG
The “Auspicious 88” series exemplifies Dong’s ability to merge symbolism and technology. In “Lotus of Living & Dying,” for instance, rotating petals adorned with abstract imagery represent life’s cycles, from birth to decay and renewal. “Treasure Vase of Gravity” uses a tilting, light-filled vase to symbolize the sharing of spiritual and material blessings, while “Two Golden Fishes of Connectivity” employs magnetic levitation to create the illusion of fish swimming freely, embodying the joy and fluidity of human relationships. “Infinity Knot of Reality & Surreality” juxtaposes a stationary knot with a rotating antique table, deconstructing physical laws to symbolize the endless flow of wisdom and time. Each work invites the viewer to reflect deeply on its themes, bridging the spiritual and material worlds.
Auspicious 88 - Lotus of Living & Dying
2023, 47 x 47 x 12.5 in (119.38 x 119.38 x 31.75 cm)
Graphite drawing on high density foam with epoxy, mirror, LEDs, acrylic mirror, aluminum, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Image courtesy of studio DONG
Auspicious 88 - Lotus of Time
2025, 20 x 20 x 10 in (50.8 x 50.8 x 25.4 cm)
Mahagany, brass, glass mirror, LEDs, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
The spiritual dimension of Dong’s art is central to its impact. His Tibetan Buddhist background imbues his work with a profound sense of introspection and interconnectedness. Sacred symbols, reimagined with a modern aesthetic, communicate universal truths about purity, wisdom, and transformation. Earlier in his career, Dong often used irony to critique the commodification of spiritual concepts, but his recent works take a more earnest approach, reflecting his desire to foster genuine emotional and philosophical connections with his audience. Through these creations, he encourages contemplation of life’s impermanence and the potential for renewal, offering viewers a space to engage with their inner world and the larger cycles of existence.
Auspicious 88 - Parasol of Luck & Prosperity
2025, 16 x 16 x 16 in (40.64 x 40.64 x 40.64 cm)
Diamonds, 18K white gold, glass mirror, wenge wood, copper, LEDs, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Image courtesy of studio DONG
Auspicious 88 - Treasure Vase of Gravity
2024, 29 x 29 x 60 in (73.66 x 73.66 x 152.4 cm)
Gold, copper, brass, steel, poplar wood, LEDs, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Image courtesy of studio DONG
Auspicious 88 - Two Golden Fishes of Connectivity
2024, 33 x 33 x 42.5 in (83.82 x 83.82 x 107.95 cm)
Metallic paint with drawing on high density foam with epoxy, acrylic mirror, fabric, steel, kinetic and audio components with micro computer.
Auspicious 88 - White Conch Shell of Desire
2024, 25 x 27 x 32 in (63.5 x 68.58 x 81.28 cm)
Graphite drawing on high density foam with epoxy, mirror, LEDs, brass, kinetic and audio components with micro computer
Image courtesy of studio DONG
Dong’s ability to merge tradition and innovation sets him apart in the contemporary art world. By incorporating advanced technology—such as kinetic elements, lighting systems, and soundscapes—into his pieces, he creates immersive environments that resonate on multiple levels. His works are as intellectually stimulating as they are emotionally evocative, bridging the ancient and the modern in a way that redefines the possibilities of artistic expression. This unique approach positions Dong as a trailblazer, demonstrating how technology can deepen the impact of art while honoring its spiritual and cultural roots.
Nick Dong’s art is a testament to the power of creativity to transcend boundaries. By blending timeless symbolism with modern techniques, he crafts experiences that invite viewers to reflect on their place in the world and their connection to others. His ongoing “Auspicious 88” series exemplifies his commitment to exploring themes of transformation, continuity, and interconnectedness, offering works that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. As Dong continues to push the limits of what art can achieve, he reaffirms his role as a visionary artist, crafting spaces for reflection and connection in an ever-evolving world.
Giving and Receiving of Blessing
2024, 18 x 16 x 2 in
(45.72 x 40.64 x 5.08 cm)
Ridged foam, epoxy, fiber glass, metallic paint, acrylic paint, pencil, ball pen, 22K gold leaf.
Image courtesy of studio DONG
Moonlight Thangka 2024, 88 x 15 x 2 in (223.52 cm x 38.1 cm x 5.08 cm)
Ridged foam, epoxy, fiber glass, acrylic paint, pencil.
Image courtesy of studio DONG
Time between Flower 2022, 76 x 39 x 2 in
(193.04 x 99.06 x 5.08 cm)
Ridged foam, epoxy, fiber glass, metallic paint, acrylic paint, pencil, ball pen.
About Nick Dong
Nick Dong 董承濂 (b. 1973, Taiwan; based in Oakland and Taipei) is a multidisciplinary artist whose experiential mixed-media sculptures, wearable objects, and installations combine an advanced knowledge of materials and technique with a gift for elevating an audience’s experience beyond the optical. By seamlessly integrating sophisticated engineering and metalsmithing components, supernatural movements, light, sound, and various interactive or situational strategies, Dong’s practice creates a fully immersive event, only complete once a participant’s encounter is initiated.
Since the early 1990s his work has been shown extensively in galleries in Taiwan and throughout the United States. In 2003, Dong’s work was included in the Cheongju International Craft Biennial in Cheongju City, Korea; in 2008, he was one of twenty metal artists from thirteen countries selected for Artitude 2008 at Kunstbanken Museum in Hamar, Norway. In 2012, Dong was included in 40 Under 40: Craft Futures, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C. In 2016 he exhibited his largescale mixed-media work Patterns from Heaven and Earth at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. His work was the subject of the solo show Specular Reflection at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in 2017. In 2021 his solo exhibition Divine Immersion opened at the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, CA, and the same year he participated in the exhibition GLOW in Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco, CA. Dong holds a BFA in Mixed Media and Painting from Tung-Hai University in Taichung, Taiwan and an MFA in Metalsmithing in Jewelry from the University of Oregon.
His works are in the permanent collections of KUNSTBANKEN Museum, Hamar, Norway; Asia Modern Museum, Taichung, Taiwan; White Rabbit Gallery, Sydney, Australia.
Located in downtown Palo Alto, the heart of Silicon Valley, Qualia Contemporary Art is dedicated to showcasing outstanding established and emerging artists working in a variety of media. The gallery is committed to building lasting relationships with artists, collectors, curators, and scholars nationally and internationally, and providing a vital platform for dialogues on contemporary art and culture in the Bay Area and beyond.
229 Hamilton Ave Palo Alto, CA 94301
https://www.qualiacontemporaryart.com