Pearl River Mart presents: The Monkey King in Chinatown - illustrated journeys of a Chinese legend in NYC.
About:
From graphic novel artist to curator, Jerry Ma comes to this group exhibition inspired by the mythical Chinese folk hero, the Monkey King.
The epitome of tricksterdom, the Monkey King (more formally known as Sun Wukong) first appeared in the 14th-century Chinese novel, Journey to the West. After rebelling against heaven, he’s imprisoned under a mountain for hundreds of years, eventually accompanying the monk Tang Sanzang on his quest for the scriptures that will bring Buddhism to China.
Embodying rebellion, daring, and adventure, the Monkey King has since appeared in countless plays, operas, literary works, television shows, video games, and movies. Mr. Ma’s modern Monkey King idea began with his first exhibition at Pearl River Mart, “A Chinatown Odyssey,” his debut solo show. His lively and detailed illustrations reimagined the mythical creature and his legendary cohorts on adventures — and misadventures — throughout Manhattan’s Chinatown.
This new exhibition, featuring the works of eight renowned AAPI comic book and graphic novel artists, furthers those adventures. The pieces reimagine the simian trickster as everything from a punk rocker to a dancing king to a ferocious b-baller. They place him in iconic Chinatown spots, like Columbus Park with its Chinese chess enthusiasts, the Canal Street subway station (complete with pizza rat), a lively dim sum eatery, and the Transfiguration Church and beloved Hop Kee restaurant. They connect the past with the present, bringing a Chinese legend into a Chinese American community, and beyond. They make him part of that community — eating, dancing, playing, and laughing alongside its members.
Accompanying the exhibition is an exhibition in Pearl River Mart's Soho location, which also include the artists’ works from their careers as comic book and graphic novel artists, and decals on the outdoor tables of the Meatpacking District. Both framed and unframed prints as well as merchandise will be available for purchase.
The featured artists are:
Bernard Chang
Sean Chen
Cliff Chiang
Soo Lee
Howard Ma
Jerry Ma (curator)
Jermoe Opeña
Kimberly Wang
The exhibition is on view in Chelsea Market for the month of May 2025.