TWU

Professional animator and Art + Design professor John Wang presents new exhibition, Deep Water

Experience how art can deepen one's connection to faith, beliefs, and spiritual goals

Professor John Wang is a professional visual artist and certified animator who loves helping students discover their creative gifts and possible future paths in the world of art, design, and animation. 

"Through teaching and learning, I hope to help my students to bring fullest potential and life transformation," he says.

TWU
 Deep Water by John Wang

New SAMC Gallery exhibition

This spring, Wang is sharing some of his own hand-drawn animations through an exhibition at the TWU SAMC Gallery titled Deep Water, showing Jan. 27–Feb. 5, 2025.

Deep Water by Wang immerses viewers in a fluid world of crashing waves and undulating currents.


Event details
Opening Reception + Talk  |  Jan. 30, 7–8:30 p.m. 
Art Coffee Break  |  Feb. 6 | 10:30–11 a.m.

SAMC Gallery, TWU Norma Marion Alloway Library
 
See the event

TWU
 Deep Water by John Wang

Art fosters spiritual formation

Wang's latest work is part of Faith Visualization, a series that involves abstract visual representations developed to deepen one's connection to faith, beliefs, or spiritual goals. 

It invites viewers to engage their imagination and foster moments of reflection, with the hope that they may discover inner peace and recognize the unseen.

The exhibition features short animations that merge hand-drawn sketches, abstract forms, and fluid motions. These pieces are designed to immerse viewers in a spatial environment that invites personal interpretation and emotional resonance. "Through this visual exploration, I aim to inspire audiences to live fearlessly and pursue their dreams with bold determination," Wang says.

TWU
Deep Water by John Wang

Holding onto faith

Deep Water takes its inspiration from the biblical story of Simon Peter’s miraculous catch of fish. In this story, Jesus instructs Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:1-4). This narrative serves as a metaphor for the courage required to venture into the unknown, trust in the unseen, and hold onto faith, even when it surpasses rational understanding.

TWU
Deep Water by John Wang

About the artist

Artist Bio John Wang is a Vancouver-based experimental artist whose multidisciplinary work spans visual arts, animation, and interactive design. He holds a Master of Visual Arts (MAVA) from Griffith University and a Master of Arts in Interactive Arts and Technology from Simon Fraser University. His creative journey began with the simple joy for doodling, evolving into a deep commitment to exploring diverse fields including fashion design, graphic design, animation, and interactive art. His MA research focused on the therapeutic applications of art, particularly investigating the effects of a whole-body drawing tool to enhance art therapy outcomes, reflecting his interest in healing through creative expression. John's animation work has been exhibited internationally in Spain and Australia. Specializing in experimental animated short films and installation art, his work often delves into optical illusion, abstraction, and viewer engagement.


About TWU's School of the Arts, Media, and Culture

Immerse yourself in what you love best, whether it’s visual or performing arts, media, or communication. Grow with others who are just as passionate and exceptional as you. That’s the beauty of learning in community. You’ll find your people here. Learn more at School of the Arts, Media + Culture.


About Trinity Western University

Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.