About
Me.
I am Julia Tong, a painter and historian whose practice bridges memory, philosophy, and visual storytelling. My Chinese American identity shapes the way I see time — both as cyclical, flowing in Daoist rhythms of yin and yang, and as archival, preserved in the mind palaces of history. These dual perspectives guide my work: I paint not only to capture a moment, but to transform it into a universal offering of empathy and connection.
My style blends neo-baroque drama and impressionistic atmosphere with influences from Eastern and Western fantasy and anime, creating a dreamy intensity that balances the intimate with the otherworldly. Through this visual language, I reimagine the everyday — from a friend’s wedding to a plate of dumplings or pancakes — as sites of empowerment, love, and shared humanity.
Alongside my artistic practice, I am deeply engaged with historical research, treating each painting as a form of visual historiography: preserving memory, opening it to multiple interpretations, and situating the personal within larger cultural and philosophical narratives. My recurring themes — love, animals, empowerment, time, philosophy, and history — reflect my conviction that art is not only personal but ultimately universal.
FeaturedWorks
See All Art's
This Fairy is Allergic to the Sun
Recovery
Song Song the Miniature Poodle
Shared Sovereignty
Anise the Cow