Chi-Irena Wong (b.1997)
Rollarway, 2019
Materials: Watercolor, gouache, acrylic ink on paper, 15” x 28”
Location at Summa Health: Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower, Akron Campus, Blue Neighborhood, Fourth Floor Hallway, Outside Room H4-128
About the Art
With vibrant color and boundless imagination, Rollarway propels viewers into a surreal urban landscape where subway tracks transform into a looping rollercoaster, twisting high above a city instead of running beneath it. Artist Chi-Irena Wong thrives on contradiction, and this large watercolor and ink drawing plays out an inventive reimagining of space, structure, and movement.
Wong’s intricate cityscape feels both futuristic and dreamlike, echoing the layered worlds of science fiction. Within the scene, rectangular insets function like floating screens, zooming in on pockets of activity. These “windows” magnify an eclectic cast of characters, including hybrid human, animal, and mechanical figures, each engaged in their own mysterious or humorous pursuits. Robots, fish-headed commuters, hard-hatted assembly-line workers, and even walking fruits and vegetables bring energy and whimsy to the bustling composition. Some wear traditional Vietnamese non lá hats, while others seem drawn from folktales or animated fantasy worlds. Throughout the piece, exaggerated expressions and outstretched gestures enhance the sense of movement, making Rollarway feel like a living, breathing scene that unfolds in real time.
Wong’s use of color enhances the work’s dynamic energy. Bold yellows, her signature hue, punctuate the composition, while layers of watercolor and gouache intensify the surreal quality of the imagery. Her drawings often originate from wordplay or thought experiments, expanding into visual narratives that blur the boundaries between humor, fantasy, and the absurd. Some figures reappear throughout her work, becoming familiar characters in her evolving artistic universe. Snails, cats, sea creatures, and eccentric scientists appear in multiple pieces, reinforcing a sense of interconnected storytelling.
About the Artist
Chi-Irena Wong (who also identifies simply as “Irena”) has always been a natural “doodler,” but it wasn’t until she began applying to college that she seriously considered pursuing art. She graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 2020 and has since developed a distinctive style that merges influences from anime, manga, and Western surrealism. Her artistic process typically begins with detailed ink drawings, allowing her characters and environments to emerge spontaneously. She then layers watercolor and gouache to bring depth and vibrancy to her compositions, enhancing their dreamlike, cinematic quality.
Wong’s creative curiosity extends beyond drawing. She also explores glass sculpture, translating elements of her large-scale works into sandblasted and hand-painted forms that highlight intricate details. Many of her characters and themes draw inspiration from the Chinese zodiac and traditional folklore, often incorporating symbols of good fortune.
Where You Can See More of Wong’s Work
In addition to Rollarway, Wong’s work is featured in public and private collections. She completed a mural at the Michael A. Ries Ice Rink in Parma, Ohio, as part of a Cleveland Institute of Art-sponsored internship. Her work was also included in an online exhibition organized by the Akron Art Museum, showcasing student artists navigating the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. To explore more of her imaginative world, visit her website, where she continues to share new projects and commissions.