DIKO, aka Gabrial Tiongson completed his Visual Arts degree and Masters in Creative Practice in Unitec Institute of Technology. Formal study shifted his art practice from primarily ink on paper to mixed media on canvas. He paints to construct and deconstruct his paintings to further feed into future work. Formal study also allowed him to criticize and reflect on his loss of identity and culture. This turmoil turned to opportunity when he was able to embrace his hybrid nature. His works are charged by his childhood affinities and presented through his experience of various cultures.