Teresa Rosalia Ong, an Indonesian artist, has embarked on a vibrant journey of artistic self-discovery, embracing a style she describes as ‘psychedelic’ and ‘playful.’ Her art, infused with abstract colours and shapes, reflects a deep connection to nostalgia, Indonesian landscapes, and the joy of creation. From early doodling to experimenting with various mediums, Teresa's path is a testament to the power of following one's artistic instincts outside the confines of traditional academic settings.
Teresa's artistic journey began at the tender age of five, nurtured by a mother who consistently provided easels and painting supplies. Growing up in Jakarta, her parents recognised her artistic inclinations early on, even as she struggled with mathematics in school. ‘My parents always knew I was more of an artistic child than an academic one,’ she recalls. This early encouragement laid the foundation for a lifelong passion.
Initially, Teresa envisioned a career in fashion design, a dream that led her to drop out of high school and enroll in a design and architecture program in Melbourne. While her initial Bachelor's focus was on Textile Design, her interest in Zentangle doodles soon pointed her towards surface design. However, a desire to explore more broadly led her to switch to Communication Design in her second year. Despite these shifts, she often felt like an outsider in academic environments.
The pressure of academic settings in Melbourne, combined with what she perceived as discrimination towards non-Australian students and high expectations for Asian students, proved demotivating. ‘A teacher once shamed me for not knowing what RGB meant,’ she recounts. ‘It was kind of demotivating.’ It wasn't until after finishing university and returning home during the pandemic that she truly rediscovered her motivation and found joy in painting again, using it as a creative outlet while working in insurance.
Teresa's art style is best described as psychedelic and playful, characterised by abstract colours and funky combinations. Her fascination with this aesthetic was sparked in middle school during an abstract art project inspired by Jackson Pollock and Wassily Kandinsky. ‘That moment made me go, “Oh my god, this is so fun!”’ she exclaims. This experience led her to explore more fluid art mediums like watercolor and gouache.
While psychedelic art is often associated with bright, vibrant hues, Teresa’s palette leans towards more muted pastels. ‘I started with bright colors but felt open to using other colors because my designs aren't strictly psychedelic,’ she explains. She finds pastel colours more palatable and mood-based, a preference that has developed as she's gotten older. Sometimes, the pastel shades are even a happy accident, a result of running out of paint. She's also venturing into digital painting, experimenting with layers on Procreate.
Among her preferred mediums, gouache holds a special place. ‘The first time I tried it, I instantly fell in love with the medium and couldn't stop using it,’ she shares, appreciating its ease of maintenance and cleaning. Watercolor is another favourite, while acrylic remains a challenging but exciting new frontier. Her choice of ‘immediate and easily accessed tools’ contributes to the playful, childlike quality of her art.
Teresa draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, from modern and contemporary art to budding creators on Instagram and Pinterest. Art books, like the one by Matisse, and even the whimsical, illogical nature of Picrew art on Tumblr, fuel her creativity. She's learned to appreciate inspiration from all corners, realising that ‘there are also lots of inspiring artists who aren't as established.’ A strong believer that ‘something always comes from somewhere,’ she openly embraces the interconnectedness of artistic ideas.
Nostalgia is the central theme woven throughout Teresa's artwork. Even in her abstract doodles, shapes often emerge, representing mountains, sun, rivers, roads, beaches, and paddy fields – common elements of Indonesian landscapes. ‘My mom has always been a village girl, so I guess, in a way, I've always embraced that,’she reflects. Indonesian influences also extend to batik, a craft she, like many Indonesian artists, finds deeply inspiring, and her ongoing interest in fashion.
Her creative process involves extensive research on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, where she meticulously collects ideas and inspiration. Having been immersed in fashion for a long time, she once had a massive collection of Vogue Runway images. Her collaborative journey, particularly her collaging phase as a child, has also profoundly impacted her artistic approach. Inspired by Matisse's collages, Teresa now envisions her layering process as a form of visual collaging.
Nature is a recurring motif in Teresa's art. Flowers, in particular, appear frequently, a likely nod to her childhood love for Alice in Wonderland. ‘I don't have a garden, so I'll just put flowers on a canvas where I can always admire them,’ she muses. This desire to bring nature indoors is a simple yet profound expression of her aesthetic.
Teresa is privileged to have a dedicated art studio, a space she describes as ‘a kids' playroom and a little messy – organised chaos.’ Shared with her sister, a graphic designer and artist, the studio is a testament to her parents' unwavering support for her artistic interests. Stocked with a myriad of tools, it allows her to spontaneously pick up new hobbies, from screenprinting and crocheting to air-dry clay and ceramics.
Showcasing her art is a cathartic experience for Teresa. While the preparation stage can be anxiety-inducing, the completion brings immense satisfaction. ‘Once it is complete, I just want everyone to see it,’ she shares. She has exhibited her work in school shows, like the RMIT graduating class exhibition, and with an Indonesian student group. While she finds real-world exhibitions excellent, posting on Instagram brings a unique set of pressures. ‘I'm still learning to put myself out there,’ she admits, acknowledging the fear of fewer likes, but ultimately seeking validation from within and from those closest to her.
Among her creations, a particular painting holds a special place in her heart – one she freestyled while doodling with her niece. ‘If I had to describe myself to someone, I'd probably show them it,’ she says. This painting, a reflection of her essence, even led to a commission for a yin-yang pattern. It's filled with personal symbols: a dragon fruit representing a past health scare, a black and white cup from a beloved New York design shop, a birthday gift water jug, and her signature cherry or strawberry. The inclusion of fire in this deeply personal piece is a ‘silly homage’ to an Agus Suwage exhibition she recently visited, resonating with a burning sensation she felt while creating. Teresa also employs a unique method of gaining perspective on her art, taking photos of unfinished pieces and viewing them in mirrors or reflective surfaces to ‘take a step back.’
Teresa wholeheartedly considers art her career, a lifelong aspiration that challenges the notion of the ‘struggling artist.’ ‘I've always only wanted to do art and nothing else,’ she affirms, believing that contemporary times are more appreciative of art. Her journey is a vibrant exploration of self through colour, form, and personal narrative, proving that passion and persistence can indeed lead to a fulfilling artistic life.
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Want to learn more about Teresa's artistic vision and see more of her captivating work? Read the full interview in GROUNDING, the 4th volume of INTERLUNAR's zine.
