I am an Issue Driven Artist focused on creating Conversation Generating Art to help build a world that works for all people and the planet.
Formal Biography
Benjamin Von Wong's work lies at the intersection of fantasy and photography and combines everyday objects with shocking statistics. It has attracted the attention of corporations, like Starbucks, Dell, and Nike, and has generated over 100 million views for causes like ocean plastics, electronic waste, and fashion pollution.
His work has been narrated by Ryan Reynolds, he holds a Guinness World Record for the largest installation made from plastic straws, and he created the centerpiece at the United Nations in Nairobi when the Global Plastics Resolution was successfully signed.
He is also the co-founder of the Awe.Exchange a creative advisor for the Sustainable Ocean Alliance and the Ocean Plastic Leadership Network and sits on the BIPOC People x Plastic Collective.
Informal Biography
Benjamin Von Wong is a hidden gem in the climate movement, seamlessly blending artistry with catalytic action and collaboration.
Von Wong's impact isn't confined to galleries or online platforms; his work serves as foundational material in art classrooms across the globe, inspiring the next generation of climate advocates. His installations and photographs—such as the 4-story tall Giant Plastic Tap showcased at the United Nations Headquarters, the Perpetual Plastic Machine commissioned by Greenpeace, and the Guinness-recognized Strawpocalypse crafted from 168,000 plastic straws—have captivated millions, becoming cornerstones in conversations that prompt nonprofits, corporations, and governments to "Turn Off The Plastic Tap."
His artistry transcends mere visual appeal, underlining the essential role of art in climate discourse. Beyond drawing attention, Von Wong actively raises significant funds for frontline communities, often employing local talent and channeling resources where they matter most.
A More Formal Bio:
Benjamin Von Wong is a multidisciplinary visual artist and activist who uses recycled and reclaimed materials to create striking work around the intersection of humanity's biggest issues - from climate change to social justice.
Leading from the principle that the world's largest issues are intertwined, Von Wong endeavors to co-create work with communities to help build more resilient ecosystems. His work often invites organizations and citizens to directly participate in the artistic process.
His art has been viewed and shared hundreds of millions of times worldwide and has earned a reputation for sparking conversation.
He has exhibited at Art Basel, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and the UN Environmental Assembly, among others. He has also led social campaigns with corporations like Nike and Dell, and even holds a Guinness World Record for the most straws collected to build an installation - 168,000.
Along the way, he's been featured on a documentary narrated by Ryan Reynolds and built a 40 foot tall installation that was the centerpiece at the United Nations in Nairobi when the Global Plastics Resolution was successfully signed.
Von Wong also contributes as a speaker and consultant, helping organizations strategize creative campaigns that will spur the public into inspired action. From the stage, he has spoken at TEDx, SXSW, Dell World, and more on his creative process, campaign strategies for organizations, and how to create participatory work that moves the world forward.
(Contd...)
From the outset, Von Wong builds marketability into the planning phase of each project or installation. He thinks about the aspects of a project that gain people's attention and keep it, allowing organizations to leverage that attention to create true community impact. When Tomra wanted to create new energy around recycling, he created an installation featuring a mermaid drowning in a sea of 10,000 plastic bottles, raising tens of thousands of dollars for waste pickers.
When Nexus Summit wanted to highlight the problem of fashion waste, he helped design and build The World's Tallest Closet, to represent the number of clothes a Western consumer accumulates over a single lifetime, compelling thousands of people to shed their excess outfits and commit to sustainability.
He has created such campaigns for Dell, Greenpeace, Starbucks and the Government of Canada, and many more -- raising millions of dollars and moving millions of hearts along the way. He is meticulous about documenting his process -- an aspect of his work he also helped pioneer -- to bring viewers along for the ride and get stakeholders worldwide invested in a project's success and excited by his infectious energy. He hopes to continue to make impactful work for years to come.
Informally:
I am happiest when working in collaboration with others that are thriving within their zone of genius.
I'm a divergent thinker that loves to absorb multiple perspectives. My ideas are the result of listening and asking lots of questions.
I conceptualize, design, build and market my campaigns from scratch, with the help of passionate individuals and hundreds of amazing volunteers. I know a little bit of everything, but am a master at nothing.
My art is less about the final product, and more about the process of bringing various stakeholders together to do something they've never done before.
I am predictive rather than reactive to problems that may arise during a project. This means that I'm constantly looking for, and finding problems with an idea. It doesn't make me very popular, but it is necessary!
I believe in creating work that is in service of all people and the planet.
I constantly think not only about what I want to do but how it's going to spread. A good story that isn't designed to be shared is a story that is being poorly leveraged.
Headshots, Logos, and Links:
Formal Headshot, Artistic Headshot, Logo
The Art: www.vonwong.com
The Unforgettable Campaigns: www.unforgettablelabs.com
The Gram: www.Instagram.com/vonwong/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/thevonwong
Daily Thoughts: www.VonWongDaily.com
References
https://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_von_wong_how_your_fear_might_be_our_greatest_strength
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Von_Wong
Tags:#person#index#WIP