
Artist Jasper Wong on giving back to communities
Boriana HeimThis is an extra special drop because not only do we have a fantastic artist to feature at Face This, but we also are closing off our chapter at Gili Asahan. So, we thought, why not leave the island with a bang? And who better to reach out to than Hawaii-based artist Jasper Wong? Jasper is a powerhouse in the world of mural art. He not only has incredible collaborations with the likes of Disney and Microsoft under his belt, but has started some amazing initiatives. You may have heard of the World Wide Walls festival (formerly POW! WOW!). That’s just one of his creations. For this Face This collab, he teamed up with Al (7) and Aldi (12) from the SDN 4 Batu Putih school in Gili Asahan.
Turning to art in times of turmoil
Jasper’s art style is characterised by bold colours, fun characters, and a cartoon aesthetic. He admits that this has been the case right from the start.
“Ever since I was a child, I was drawn to the vibrant worlds of cartoons and comics. They sparked my imagination and gave me a sense of wonder that I couldn't get enough of. I was the kid who filled the margins of every school book with doodles, sketching characters and scenes whenever I had the chance. Drawing wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way for me to process the world and express myself.”
Sadly, there would be a lot for young Jasper to process during his formative years. He goes on to recount: “My dad abandoned our family when I was just 12 years old. Losing a father figure at such a young age was incredibly difficult. It left a void that I didn’t fully understand at the time, but the impact was deep and lasting.”
“The emotional weight of his absence affected me in more ways than I could express, especially mentally. As I struggled to make sense of everything, I found myself slipping into depression throughout much of my childhood.”
But even throughout the uncertainties of his childhood, there was one aspect of his life that stayed constant: his art. Jasper would turn to it whenever he needed to get away from the world.
“Art became more than just a creative outlet. It was a refuge and a way to escape from a reality that often felt overwhelming. As an artist, creating gave me a sense of control, comfort, and a way to process the pain and confusion I was carrying. In many ways, art helped me survive.”
Finding inspiration and creating a community for artists
Jasper has come a long way in the years following his doodles on his school books’ margins. Nowadays, he finds inspiration for his art wherever he looks. “Everything around you has the potential to spark an idea or ignite a creative impulse. I often find myself walking through the city or nature with my camera or phone in hand, capturing textures, colours, shadows, or small details that catch my eye.
“I'm also a self-proclaimed book addict. There's something powerful about getting lost in a good story or exploring new ideas through words. Books fuel my imagination and often lead me down creative paths I hadn’t considered before.”
Jasper not only uses this inspiration for his own art, but also to start initiatives that bring people together. “I recognised a real need for spaces and platforms where artists could express themselves, connect with others, and be supported in meaningful ways. Too often, talented creatives are left without opportunities to share their work or grow within a community.”
One of those initiatives is teaching art classes at Palama Settlement. He explains: “Unfortunately, in Hawaii, art and music programmes are often the first to be cut whenever schools face budget challenges. As a result, many students are left without access to a well-rounded arts education. This lack of support for creative programmes is even more pronounced in underserved neighbourhoods, where resources are already limited and opportunities are scarce.
“I believe it is incredibly important to step in and find ways to give back, especially when it comes to supporting young people. The youth are our future, and they deserve access to creative outlets that can help them express themselves, build confidence, and explore their potential. Investing in their growth through the arts is one of the most powerful ways we can strengthen our communities for generations to come.”
Of course, we cannot talk about Jasper Wong without talking about his world-famous festival - World Wide Walls. In his own words, it is a “global festival dedicated to beautifying communities, building meaningful connections, and expanding access to the arts. Our mission is to use public art as a powerful tool for transformation, bringing people together through creativity and visual storytelling.”
The World Wide Walls has graced the walls of 25 cities across the world. With every edition, they work together with the local artists to truly incorporate the art into the community.
Getting formal recognition as an artist
Jasper’s unique art style and social initiatives have not only caught the eye of people around the world, but also of some big brands. Companies like Disney, Versace, and Bloomingdales have worked with him in the past. Working with such big names can easily feel intimidating. So, how does Jasper make sure to keep the client happy while staying true to his style?
“Finding the right balance is always a challenge. It takes careful thought to stay true to your creative vision while also meeting the expectations of others. At the same time, it is a real honour to collaborate with such reputable and inspiring brands. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside teams that value creativity and bring their own passion to the table. These collaborations push me to grow as an artist and to continue striving for excellence.”
While discussing his previous collabs, one particular project comes to our minds: his wall mural for Microsoft Surface Pro. “I had the opportunity to work closely with Microsoft on a collaborative project that was both creatively fulfilling and professionally rewarding,” Jasper begins.
He then explains that he was not only involved in the execution of the project, but also in the art direction: “From the very beginning, they were incredibly receptive to my artistic vision and trusted me to lead the creative direction. That level of openness and mutual respect was critical in bringing the project to life in an authentic and impactful way. Having that kind of support from such a major company not only made the process smoother, but it also reinforced the value of staying true to my artistic voice.”
Jasper has gotten recognition not only from big companies, but also his own community. He has been chosen as one of the HB100 several times. This is Hypebeast’s list of 100 influential artists in the industry.
“It is always meaningful to be recognised and validated for the work I do,” Jasper admits. “Moments like that serve as a reminder that the time, energy, and heart I put into my art are seen and valued. I never take it for granted. Every time someone acknowledges my work, whether it's through an award, a feature, or even a kind word, I feel deeply honoured.”
Collabing with Indonesian children for a better future
Jasper is no stranger to working with children. From teaching them art at Palama Settlement to starting an apparel for kids venture with his wife, he is deeply involved with nurturing the next generation’s creativity.
Unsurprisingly, he has a deep appreciation for the way that children make art. “Children create art with a sense of freedom that is truly inspiring. They aren't burdened by worries, self-doubt, or the pressures that often come with adulthood. When they draw, paint, or build something, they do it purely for the joy of creating. It’s fun, spontaneous, and filled with imagination.”
Given Jasper’s incredible art, passion for helping struggling communities, and appreciation of children’s creativity, we simply had to have him for a Face This collab. To our huge excitement, he said yes.
“I believed it was an incredible initiative that deserved support, no matter how busy or full my schedule was at the time,” he says. “The importance of the cause resonated with me deeply, and I wanted to contribute in any way I could. Even though I had a lot on my plate, I made it a priority because I knew the positive impact it could have. Being part of something meaningful like that made all the extra effort worthwhile and reminded me of the value of lending my skills and energy to projects that matter.”
And we are truly grateful that he made time for this collab amidst his busy schedule.
For his illustration, Jasper had not one, but two collab partners: Al and Aldi. Even though we gave him double the work, both pupils drew a boat, which Jasper said made his work easy.
“I don't often draw boats so that was a fun experiment. Outside of that, it was just a matter of creating a fun boat illustration in my style and adding cute and colourful characters.”
Makes you feel like home
The children at SDN 4 Batu Putih were given the theme of ‘Makes you feel like home’. With this theme in mind, both Al and Aldi centred their drawings around boats and fishing. Jasper ponders: “I assume they spend a lot of time on the water, and it informs a big part of their lives.”
Jasper admits that he himself isn’t a fan of boats, because they make him seasick. But he does have an immediate answer to what home means to him.
“Home means so much more than just a place, it is everything. It is where love lives and grows, where family gathers and supports one another through life’s ups and downs. Home is the foundation that shapes who we are, a space filled with warmth, comfort, and a deep sense of belonging. It is where your heart truly feels at peace and where you carry your most meaningful memories. No matter where life takes you, home remains the place you return to, both in body and in spirit.”
As we end our adventure with the children in Gili Asahan, we want to highlight Jasper’s final thoughts on what home means. When wearing the merch from this collab, we hope you will also hop on the boat sailing back home.