Colours of the Caribbean

Paul Wong : Aruba

Paul Wong, born in 1971 in Aruba, discovered his passion for drawing and painting at a young age. His journey as an artist took shape when he decided to pursue formal art education in the United States at 'The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale'. This carreer provided him with the tools, techniques, and artistic foundation necessary to evolve as an artist.

Upon completing his studies and graduating, Paul returned to his native Aruba, where he embarked on his artistic journey. Initially, he focused on painting images of Aruba on various products, including t-shirts, allowing others to share in his appreciation for the island's beauty. Over time, his artistic interests evolved, leading him towards creating cartoon-like characters and exploring the "hyper-realistic" style.

Paul's artistic repertoire primarily centers around nature and animals, often incorporating them into his compositions. However, he also finds joy in painting portraits, showcasing his versatility as an artist. In his daily work, Paul has the opportunity to express his artistic vision by custom painting and airbrushing bikes and cars, turning them into unique pieces of art.

Paul's artistic toolkit is diverse, encompassing various tools and mediums. He is skilled in using airbrush techniques, acrylic paints, and digital software, enabling him to bring his creative visions to life in a multitude of ways. His ability to master different tools allows him to experiment with styles and techniques, resulting in a rich and varied body of work.

Living on the tranquil island of Aruba provides Paul with an idyllic backdrop for his artistic pursuits. He enjoys the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, the island's great vibes, vibrant colours, and and the consistently sunny and beautiful climate of the island, which undoubtedly serves as a continuous source of inspiration for him.

Paul's ideal project would involve a large, colourful mural that conveys a powerful and meaningful message.

His favorite colours, including bright hues like yellows, oranges, reds, purples, and magentas, play a prominent role in his projects, infusing them with energy and vibrancy.

In essence, Paul is an artist with a deep connection to his home island of Aruba, a diverse artistic repertoire, encompassing various mediums and styles that allow him to express his creative visions with versatility. His love for colourful expressions shine in his work, making him a prominent and versatile artist.

Recently, Paul joined Kooyman on the 'Colours of the Caribbean' campaign, during which he painted a mural in a playroom at Casa Cuna, which serves as a home for children aged 0 to 8 years who are (temporarily) unable to reside in their homes due to issues like neglect, sexual abuse, or physical abuse. Paul's inspiration for this mural came from the children, featuring vibrant colours and cartoon-style animals. His purpose was to bring more colour into the lives of the children and bring smiles to their faces. Paul feels deeply honored to have had the chance to contribute to the happiness of these children.