Annie Dong was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, and through her childhood was raised in China by her grandmother. Dong is a first generation college student and high school graduate to her parents who immigrated to the United States from China, Fuzhou. Growing up, art was her outlet and a tool for communication while learning English. Dong has completed her BA in art and psychology and accomplished a thesis that focuses on impacting the community through public art murals at New College of Florida in 2024. Dong is currently pursuing an MFA in Painting at Cranbrook Academy of Art, expecting to graduate in 2027. Her paintings reflect her Chinese-American identity and use traditional Chinese iconographics, and colors that reflect positive affirmations and personal anecdotes. It can be further explored through her vivid color selections and by creating murals, Dong bridges the gap between the community and oneself. She believes in moving forward despite challenges and hopes that her paintings and murals will help people connect to diverse perspectives.

“I am a child of two cultures. Born in the United States to immigrant parents, I moved back to China for my early childhood. I have experienced cultural dysphoria both in and out of memory. There are fond memories of my Grandmother who raised me that keep me tied to the Chinese culture that I knew. I have memories full of the chaotic sound and movement of people and the vivid colors and forms of that world that still resonate with me today. Moving back to the States brought with it feels of dislocation and disorientation as I worked to learn the English language and expectations of American culture. Visual communication through drawing and painting helped to ease this internal struggle and worked as a bridge to help me transcend cultural differences.”

“ The move from China to the U.S. had a profound impact on my identity. Witnessing the struggles and sacrifices immigrants face in pursuit of the "American Dream," often in contrast to the idealized vision. Immigrants often have to give up their homes and ways of life to seek better opportunities. Reflecting on my immigrant parents' experiences, my paintings often reminisce on these memories.”
  “My work speaks to these experiences while celebrating the ability of Chinese immigrants to hold on to and carry images of home through their journey. Additionally, I seek to challenge the patriarchal emphasis of many Chinese traditions by highlighting "feminine" elements such as flowers and decorative patterns. Through my murals and paintings, I aim to bring people together, promote self-preservation, and cultivate a sense of belonging and playfulness.