Charles Wong

September 24, 1922 - March 18, 2024

Charles Sung Wong September 24, 1922 – March 18, 2024

Charles Wong was born September 24, 1922, and raised in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

In 1939, Charles was awarded the Albert M. Bender grant from Mission High School to attend the California School of Fine Arts, 1940–1942. World War II interrupted his education, and Charles joined the United States Army Air Corps, where he served from 1942 to 1946. He returned from service and worked in design at Bethlehem Steel from 1946 to 1949.

From 1949 through 1951, Charles resumed his study in photography at the California School of Fine Arts in a prestigious program led by Ansel Adams, Minor White, Edward Weston, and Imogen Cunningham. This era was referred to as “The Golden Decade” and Charles was one of only 12 students accepted.

Charles photographed San Francisco during the late 1940s and early ‘50s, focusing primarily on Chinatown. Charles’ photographs speak to his cultural heritage, respecting Chinese practices and traditions while exploring the differences between old and new generations and the complexity of being both American and Chinese. He documented the Chinese community as well as the larger world. Part of one of these series, “Year of the Dragon,” was featured in a 1952 issue of Aperture. His photography career was short-lived, however, “I just produced. I had to get it out of my system. And that’s it. After that I went back to work and forgot all about photography.” He worked as an engineer for Bethlehem Steel and Bechtel Corp until he retired. Charles’ passion for photography was reignited when he met Irene Poon Andersen, herself a photographer, curator, and author. Years prior, Imogen Cunningham had recommended that Irene become acquainted with Charles Wong’s photography. Among numerous galleries in the United States and Europe, Charles’ photography has been displayed at the de Young Museum, SFMOMA, and the Getty Museum.

Charles was curious, warm, generous, a loyal friend, a loving husband, devoted partner, father, stepfather, father-in-law, and grandfather. Charles was one of two siblings. His brother, Stan, predeceased him. Charles was widowed twice. His first marriage was to Rose May Louie (1942-1971), his second marriage to Pearl Wong (1975-1995). He is survived by his son, Kim Wong; daughter, Charlotte Chaillou; stepson, Richard Owyoung (Lauren LimOwyoung); granddaughter, Rosemarie Wong; and his partner of 18 years, Irene Poon Andersen.

Gifts in memory of Charles can be made to First Exposures , or Donors Choose .