Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

5130 Wisconsin Ave NW

Washington, District of Columbia

MING WANG Obituary


WANG MING WANG Artist Ming Wang, born November 4, 1921, died peacefully on Sunday, June 26, 2016 in Bethesda. Ming Wang was born in Tianjin, China and was a pilot in Chinese Nationalist Air Force during WWII. He came to the US for further military training where he met his first wife, the late Suen Chin. In 1949, Wang went Taiwan to escape the Communist takeover of China. He rejoined his wife and young son in Washington DC in 1951. To support a growing family, Wang founded the National Art and Frame shop in Washington DC. He studied art independently and developed his unique artistic style melding modern art with traditional Chinese calligraphy. In the 1960''s and 1970''s, Wang was represented by the Franz Bader Gallery in Washington DC. His works have been exhibited in the US and in China at galleries including The Art Society of the International Monetary Fund, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, National Academy of Sciences, Tianjin Museum of Fine Arts, National Gallery of Art, Beijing, and the Shanghai Art Museum. Most recently, his work was shown at the David Findlay Galleries in New York City. Wang''s paintings evoke a sense of the lack of gravity and presaged photos of space from the Hubble Telescope. In a review in the New York Times in 1997, Holland Cotter called "Ming Wang''s "Respect for Tradition'' a calligraphic mandala in which writing and painting come indissolubly together." In 1977, Washington Post''s Paul Richard stated that Wang''s miniature paintings look "...as if they were enormous. Actually they''re tiny. Wang Ming''s little paintings hint at skies and galaxies. He has looked at Jackson Pollack, and other action painters, but his splatters and his drips are governed by a calligrapher''s control...This is his finest show." His most recent show was at the Smithsonian''s National Air and Space Museum, which showcased his work as an abstract representation of the infinite universe. Ming Wang works are currently part of the permanent collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, National Air and Space Museum, Brooklyn Museum, National Museum of American Art, American Embassy in Beijing, Corcoran Gallery of Art, National Art Museum of China, The Asia and Pacific Museum in Warsaw, Poland, and numerous galleries in the US and Asia. Ming Wang leaves behind his beloved wife, Cynthia Brumback, his sons Alan (and wife Carol) and Whelan, and daughters Arleen, Cecelia, Cynthia (and husband Allan), Yvonne, and Lana (and husband, Kevin). A daughter, Karen, passed away in 1990. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren including the most recent addition, Harper, who was born on June 14. Relatives and friends are invited to call at Joseph Gawler''s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue NW (corner of Harrison Street) Washington, DC (Valet Parking) on Thursday, June 30, 2016 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. A private interment service will be held at Parklawn Cemetery in Rockville, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the charity of your choice. For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.josephgawlers.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for MING WANG

Not sure what to say?





May 12, 2017

I have only now learned of Ming's passing. My sincere sympathies to his entire family. Ming, my sister Betty and her friend Joe were among Ming's many friends. I know they will greet him and their friendship will continue in a place of peace. His artistry will bring me joy and I will think of him and the many pleasures his beautiful works of art brought me and many others.
Barbara Brooks Jackson (Washington, D.C.)

August 8, 2016

I am sad to learn of Ming Wang's passing. Personally, I had hoped that our paths would cross particularly after I had spoken with Cynthia during Ming's National Air & Space Museum show many years ago. My wife and I are fortunate that two of Ming's paintings grace our home and the beauty that each radiates is a constant reminder of Ming's boundless talent.

I am sorry for the loss for those that loved Ming Wand but know that his artistic legacy will always live on.

Kindly,

Randy Liebermann

July 27, 2016

So sorry to learn of this loss and missing the family to give personal sympathies. Those who have gone before are greeting him in Heaven. Bless God for his long earthly life and treasures. In God's love, Jo Ann Woo Eng and Family

Laurie Ekstrand

July 11, 2016

I never met Ming Wang, but I have enjoyed his painting, "Awakening Light" for more than 20 years. I did not acquire this painting in a very auspicious way. I had stopped by the Prevention of Blindness store in Kensington in the 1990s and someone's estate had donated the painting to the shop. I immediately loved it and wanted to buy it. After some discussions with the shop keepers over several days the decided to sell it to me for $350. For my husband and me at that time this was a lot to spend on art. But, I bought it without hesitation.

The next challenge was to get it to our home in Takoma Park--it's very large. We borrowed a pickup truck and my husband and my son held it upright in the back while I drove about 5 miles and hour from Kensington to Takoma Park. It was in a place of honor in the Takoma Park house for many years, then moved with us to Hyattsville, MD. Last year it moved with me to Silver Spring.

I have always said that if the house was burning down the thing that I would save is this painting. I enjoy it everyday and just wanted to let you know how much happiness this painting has brought me over many years.

I am very sorry for your loss.
Laurie Ekstrand
710 Hankin Street
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Chinese Community Church

July 4, 2016

Our love and prayers are extended to the Wang family. We thank God for the gift of knowing such a creative and gentle man. What a blessing!

Tim Masters

July 3, 2016

Deepest condolences to Cynthia and the entire Wang family from Alice, Anne, Kim and Tim Masters, and our collective families. Ming was very good friends with our (husband and) father, Peter Masters, for many decades...probably more than 50 years in all. And he was a dear friend and inspiration to all of us Masters over these many years. We will miss him very much and want you to know that his work will live on in each of our homes...from DC to LA...as we are all proud owners of Ming Wang "masterspieces." When I (Tim) was very young (about 5 or 6), I had a very real fear of wolves...I don't know why...but I did. I remember visiting Ming's downtown frame shop with my father one afternoon in 1966, and somehow the topic of my wolf-phobia came up. Ming told me a story, and took out a large piece of paper and a black ink soaked brush...and with a few quick strokes he drew two figures. The larger one, he explained, was the mother wolf; the smaller one, her child. He told me whenever I felt afraid of wolves, I should look at this picture and it would remind me that there were wolves "just like me"...young...with a mother or a parent...and that should allay my fears and bring me peace. We came home and hung it in my bedroom and -- lo and behold -- it worked! Though I am no longer afraid of wolves, that picture still holds a place of prominence in our home. And it still brings me peace whenever I look at it. Rest in peace.

Mary Barnard

July 1, 2016

So sorry for your great loss..

Tim Seto

June 30, 2016

I am sorry for the lost of a very kind hearted man. I am very thankful to have enjoyed his works of art.

Herb Lee

June 30, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss and send sincere condolances.
Alan-I still remember attending one of your
Dad's shows, probably over 30 years ago. Enjoyed meeting and speaking with your dad.

Laigen, John, Jessica, and Brent Sanet

June 30, 2016

Cynthia and the entire Wang family,

We are saddened by the death of your husband and father, but we will always cherish the fond memories and true friendship we have enjoyed these many years.

Lee Families

June 30, 2016

To Ming Wang Miss and Love Alan Wang Families

Lee Families

June 30, 2016

Eddie Lee and Emma Lee and Bok Bok Mary Lee Ying Ying Poor Poor Lee Families

William Lee

June 30, 2016

Sorry for your loss, I remember your Dad at his art/frame shop off 8th and D Street.

June 29, 2016

Uncle Ming, I am so sorry to hear of your passing. I look so fondly upon the couple times that we met and I cherish your artwork which is admired in my home every day. You're a blessing to the many lives that you've touched and will be greatly missed. Until we meet again! Love, Ericka Sleight

Tom Lee

June 29, 2016

Wang family, sorry for your lost. Alan, I will try to be at the viewing tomorrow

John Chin

June 29, 2016

Sorry to hear about your loss.
Regret to say that I will be out of town
and will not be able to see all of you
at the viewing or the service.
Please give my condolences to all of the family,
and I will see Alan when I return.
JChin

Lee Family

June 28, 2016

Ming will always have a special place in our hearts and will be remembered for his love and kindness . His many contributions during his lifetime as an artist, as a father and a friend will never be forgotten. We will miss him dearly. With deepest condolences from the Lee Family, Wai (mother), Florence, Faye, Carlene and Albert

June 28, 2016

May GOD's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time.
PSALMS 29:11

Carlene Lee

June 28, 2016

To the Wang Family,
Wishing you peace, comfort, and strength to face the days ahead. He was such a talented artist. Sharing in your sadness as you remember him.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in MING WANG's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for MING WANG

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

5130 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

How to support MING's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor MING WANG's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more