THE MONKEY KING IN CHINATOWN

In celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month comes this group exhibition presented by Pearl River Mart inspired by the mythical Chinese folk hero, the Monkey King, and curated by acclaimed graphic novel artist Jerry Ma.

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.

“This exhibition speaks to the diversity of this group of artists and how they see the Monkey King,” says Mr. Ma. “When I was growing up, there was so little representation for Asian heroes. There are more options today but still just a few. That’s why the Monkey King is still important. He’s an integral part of Chinese culture and history thatcontinues to speak to modern audiences. He’s become a new Asian American superhero. I hope viewers get asmuch inspiration out of him as I have.”

“It’s such a joy to have Jerry exhibiting with us again,” says Joanne Kwong, president of Pearl River Mart. “We’ve always loved his work, from his T-shirts to his graphic novels to his large-scale work for the New York Mets. But it’s his ability to bring people together, around art, storytelling, and usually lots of food and drink, that sets him apart as a curator and collaborator. This is a rock star gathering of comic book artists and only Jerry could have brought them together.”

Exhibited throughout Chelsea Market, the works are accompanied by decals on the outdoor tables of the Meatpacking District and an installation in Pearl River Mart’s Soho gallery, which includes pieces from the artists’ careers as comic book and graphic novel artists. 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)
● Jerome Opeña
● Kimberly Wang