Born in Toronto and raised between Canada and Hong Kong, Matthew Wong was largely self-taught, beginning his practice in his early thirties. He gained rapid international recognition for his ability to synthesize diverse art historical influences, ranging from Fauvism to the works of Shitao, into a distinctively personal visual language.

Wong's signature works are characterized by dense, pointillist-like brushwork and saturated colors that evoke solitude and introspection. His landscapes often feature winding paths, isolated figures, and expansive, nocturnal skies, executed primarily in oil on canvas.

Following his death in 2019, Wong's reputation has continued to grow, with critics frequently citing him as one of the most significant painters of his generation. His work has been the subject of posthumous retrospectives and remains highly regarded for its technical mastery and evocative, melancholic power.