Designer/Artist Tobias Wong Dead at 35

June 3, 2010 10:17 AM

Canadian designer and artist Tobias (Tobi) Wong died May 30th at the age of 35 of suicide. His personal site, though not updated for several years, details some of his work. The press release, posted on a design blog, notes his exhibitions and work on 100% Design Shanghai. This blog post also compiles many works, including his business card. One of his works was also discussed on the blue previously.
posted by questionsandanchors (19 comments total)

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posted by brundlefly at 10:25 AM on June 3, 2010

Wow, I thought I was unfamiliar with his work, but after glancing through that blog post, I realize that I was totally wrong. I remember seeing his inverted diamond ring, sun jar, gold-plated Bic cap, and smoking mitten all over the internet. He definitely had style.
posted by oinopaponton at 10:34 AM on June 3, 2010

Wow. That's some amazing stuff.

It is sad that I am only discovering his work now because his life has ended.
posted by ODiV at 10:34 AM on June 3, 2010

The first I heard of Tobias, I was working on that story the Times quoted in the first link, for Theme Magazine. During my mere 6 months working there, through all the writing, celebrity-wrangling, transcribing, go-getting, interview-arranging, he rose to the top as my absolute favorite personality.

Why? Because he was such a punk, and I say that in the best way. He was sweet. He had such a sense of humor. He was a lovable ass. And I adored him, and still do. He always spoke his mind, even if he wasn't speaking at all.

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posted by functionequalsform at 10:37 AM on June 3, 2010

We so need people like Tobias now, to refresh us and sharpen our thinking. Sad news indeed.

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posted by kinnakeet at 10:46 AM on June 3, 2010

I never thought I would learn of the death of someone I actually know IRL via Metafilter. How on earth...

I'm sorry, I guess I had better not say anything at all until I sort it out on my own.
posted by hermitosis at 10:46 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]

One does not passively "die of" suicide. It is a choice, and should be recognized as such.

Others reading this may well be contemplating such a choice. The idea that the situation is out of their control is not a healthy one to propagate. There is help, seek it!

That being said, I feel for the man and his family, it is a difficult thing and changes those who are left behind forever.

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posted by Antidisestablishmentarianist at 10:51 AM on June 3, 2010

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posted by chunking express at 11:08 AM on June 3, 2010

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posted by saturnine at 11:24 AM on June 3, 2010

Here's a eulogy at core77. It says a lot that a group that was once the target of one of Wong's stunts should hold him in such high esteem.

I was considering a post about him myself. I had a fun describing his silver pills (so your shit will sparkle!) and the Warhol gift wrap to folks at a meetup last night.

I've made a couple of sun jars and had no idea until today that they were his.
posted by hydrophonic at 11:31 AM on June 3, 2010

I loved his sun jars. I am gutted by his death.

Forgive me for reposting, but:

The truth is I want you to live for your sake, not for ours. But the injunction is true and real. Anyway, some part of you doesn’t want to end it all, and I’m talking to her or him, to that part of you. I’m throwing you a rope, you don’t have to explain it to the monster in you, just tell the monster it can do whatever it wants, but not that. Later we’ll get rid of the monster, for now just hang on to the rope. I know that this means a struggle from one second to the next, let alone one day at a time. Know that the rest of us know that among the faces we have met there are some right now who can barely take another minute of the pain and uncertainty. And we are in the room with you, going from one moment to the next, in whatever condition you manage to do it. Sobbing and useless is great! Sobbing and useless is a million times better than dead. A billion times. Thank you for choosing sobbing and useless over dead.

Dear everyone: you are needed here. Maybe you don't see how, but you are. Please stay.
posted by rdc at 11:39 AM on June 3, 2010 [5 favorites]

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posted by Kit W at 12:41 PM on June 3, 2010

How sad that depression too often accompanies his kind of creativity.

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posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 12:57 PM on June 3, 2010

So, so sad.
posted by Sreiny at 3:27 PM on June 3, 2010

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posted by mwhybark at 5:18 PM on June 3, 2010

What a terrible way to discover such wonderful work.

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posted by molecicco at 2:28 AM on June 4, 2010

Terrible shame. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

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posted by ninthart at 4:55 AM on June 4, 2010

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/stars-sleepwalk-death/story-e6freo8c-1111115254598

It was very weird, coz right from day one the police were saying "Sleepwalking. Move along. Nothing to see here."

I've never seen such a high profile case wrapped up so quickly. Add to that the strangeness of it all. None of this "We can't comment. We'll wait for the autopsy." which I thought was standard.
posted by uncanny hengeman at 6:27 PM on June 25, 2010

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Terribly sad.
posted by stagewhisper at 8:40 PM on June 25, 2010