News Summary
Tyrus Wong, a Chinese-born artist, significantly influenced Disney’s ‘Bambi’ with his dreamlike landscapes. Overcoming discrimination, he left a lasting legacy in animation and commercial art, earning recognition late in life as a Disney Legend.
Los Angeles – Tyrus Wong, a Chinese-born artist who played a vital role in the visual development of Disney’s classic film “Bambi,” died at the age of 106 in 2016. His artistic legacy, characterized by unique dreamlike landscapes using soft washes of color, remains influential in both the film industry and the broader art community.
Wong emigrated from China to Los Angeles with his father, Look Get Wong, during an era marked by the Chinese Exclusion Act, which prevented immigrants from gaining citizenship or owning land. Arriving at about age 9 or 10, Wong was encouraged by his father to explore his artistic talents. Wong later attended Benjamin Franklin Junior High before receiving a scholarship to the Otis College of Art and Design.
Initially hired as an “in-betweener” at Disney, he quickly rose to a more creative position after showcasing his exquisite landscape paintings for “Bambi,” which premiered in 1942. Wong’s approach focused on evoking emotion and mood, significantly shaping the film’s atmosphere through nature-inspired artistry, deviating from Disney’s traditional bright style.
Despite his considerable contributions to “Bambi,” Wong faced discrimination within the industry and never met Walt Disney personally. After being laid off during a labor strike, he shifted his career to Warner Bros., where he worked for nearly 30 years as a motion picture illustrator. Notable films to benefit from his work during this period include “Rebel Without a Cause” and “The Wild Bunch.” Wong became renowned for his swift creation of detailed, evocative artwork.
Besides his film work, Wong was an accomplished commercial artist, particularly known for his greeting card designs for Hallmark, which sold millions and earned him the title of “America’s favorite Christmas card designer.” He also contributed to the Chinese-American community in Los Angeles, designing the “shy boy” logo for Phoenix Bakery, further showcasing his artistic versatility.
In addition to his painting and design work, Wong found success and personal joy in kite-making. He skillfully crafted kites from bamboo and cane, often flying them in Santa Monica well into his later years.
Wong’s contributions to the arts were not fully recognized until later in life. In 2001, he was honored as a Disney Legend, and his story gained wider attention through the 2015 documentary “Tyrus,” which chronicled his life experiences as an immigrant artist and celebrated his impact on cinema.
Wong’s career vividly illustrates the journey of an artist overcoming systemic barriers and redefining the visual landscape of American animation and art. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists while reminding audiences of the diverse backgrounds that contribute to creative expressions in the art world.
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Additional Resources
- LAist: Tyrus Wong
- Los Angeles Times: Tyrus Wong Obituary
- Smithsonian Magazine: Maestro of Design
- Wikipedia: Tyrus Wong
- Google Search: Tyrus Wong
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
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