Each year, we identify the Asian artists on the rise, shining a light on the exciting and provocative works enriching the region’s artistic and cultural landscape. Hong Kong artist Jono Toh shares his story.
Former fashion designer Jono Toh discovered his passion for painting during the pandemic, using it as a form of escapism from the lockdown. Years of technical training and a thorough understanding of composition and colour theory led to widespread interest from social media and collectors around the world.
In 2021, his work caught the attention of Lea Ziwei and Anthony Phuong, the owners and curators of A2Z Art Gallery in Paris, who later included Toh’s work in an exhibition. Under their representation, Toh showed in Paris, Shanghai and Shenzhen, before having his debut solo exhibition in Hong Kong.
“In 2023, I debuted my first solo show You Tell Me at H Queen’s in Central,” Toh says. “It was such a meaningful milestone for me, both personally and professionally. It was the first time I saw so many of my pieces together in one room, and it was surreal to experience the energy they create together.”
Toh’s wonderfully vibrant and playful yet immaculately precise and measured artistic statements spark conversations between viewers. “It’s more important for me to hear other people’s interpretations of my work than for me to explain my own thoughts,” he explains. “I love hearing what people see and the associations they make. It’s like I’m seeing my work through a new pair of eyes for the very first time.”
2024 is already proving to be a great year for the artist, whose work was bought in January by Louis Vuitton for a new store. Toh is also exhibiting a new body of work at Art Central in Hong Kong this month and will feature in exhibitions in Paris towards the end of the year, so keep an eye out for more of his fantastical creations.
