Melanie Tiongson

The One With The Paper Boat - Abstract Whimsical Mixed Media Figurative Artwork

2025

Melanie Tiongson invites viewers into a world of fun and whimsy with her captivating artwork. Inspired by Filipino folklore and the boundless imagination of her young daughter, Tiongson's figures exude curiosity and joy. Through her mixed media paintings, she masterfully combines purposeful collages of vintage Tagalog books, expressionist abstraction, and charming illustrations, creating a visual language that radiates positivity and love. Born in the Philippines, Tiongson skillfully weaves the stories that have shaped her artistic journey into each of her creations. With a passion for preserving history, she diligently collects old vintage papers and books from her homeland, some dating back to the 1800s. Through her collages, Tiongson interweaves the rich tapestry of Filipino folklore and Philippine history, adding layers of depth and meaning to her artwork. This unique fusion of the historical and the whimsical encapsulates Tiongson's personal experiences as an immigrant and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, granting her creations a profound sense of identity and authenticity. Tiongson studied at the Art Institute of California in San Francisco which pushed her beyond traditional drawing toward her unique illustration-inspired style in part through her love of graphic design. Her original artworks have been exhibited and collected throughout California since 2012. Tionson's representation by Artspace Warehouse Los Angeles since 2021 has significantly enhanced the artist's value by providing validation and credibility to her work and increasing exposure to a broader audience.