This new series of mixed media screen prints evolved from the Mu Dra t-shirt series, to a group installation questioning mining in Central Otago, to a collaboration with Ian Griffin for the Art + Science exhibition, to now works on paper that explore symbols of hope & connection with our internal and external environments.

Early this year I was invited by writer Kirstie McKinnon to share a piece for the group installation called “What if the gold needs to stay in the ground ?” This collaboration invited artist’s to creativity express their views on the proposed mining in Otago to a “string mountain”. With the invitation also came a question,“What is your gold ?”

This question led me to reflect on what it is that I most value in life. 

For myself, I value the evolution of the understanding of human nature & the human spirit. I value the process of nurturing hope, hope for a positive direction for my future & for humanity. I also value the process of discovering abilities & ways to help nurture & heal ourselves. I value my connection with Central Otago’s diverse & beautiful landscape & all of its precious native creatures. 

I contributed the drawing of the hands over the heart to the installation, which was situated in the apex of the string mountain, to represent this as the core value of human life and as an internal direction of hope. 

Further more, this year I partook in a course with Ren Xue teacher, Norberto Rodrigues on the theme of ‘Hope and Resilience’. This was another opportunity to look at how to cultivate hope in an evermore challenging world from the perspective of Ren Xue’s wisdom based culture, of which I have been a student of for 20+years. By understanding our human patterns & gaining understanding on our potential, I cultivate hope.

Earlier this year I was invited to collaborate with Ian Griffin for the International Science Festival’s Art+Science exhibition. The theme was ‘Time’. I also used a the same hand form, but drew a new image of it, to represent how our collective human spirit can transcend time in the form of our imprint, suggesting that we are part of the totality of time & space. In Ian’s own words "Science teaches us that we are made of elements forged in ancient stars. In a very real sense, we are connected to the universe”.

My time spent in Otago has led me to contemplate these themes whilst walking in its vast landscape & observing the night skies. Working with stone on local stonemansonry projects has brought my awareness to the shimmering nature of Central Otago’s schist, mica, pyrite, quartz & gold. These qualities are reflected in this print series as a reference to Otago, but to also the possibilities of our inner potential, our human spirit & how we are connected to our internal and external environments. 

Johanna Qiao Tong, July 2026

Installation“What if the gold needs to stay in the ground?” Dunedin 2026

Artwork collaboration with Ian Griffins astrophotography for the International Science Festivals, Art+Science exhibition, Dunedin 2026