Six of the artists in the Monkey King exhibition Pearl River Mart's Soho gallery

The Monkey King in Chinatown: Illustrated Journeys of a Chinese Legend in NYC (May 1–Aug. 24, 2025)

The Monkey King is the epitome of tricksterdom. First appearing in the 14th-century Chinese novel, “Journey to the West,” the character born as Sun Wukong embodies rebellion, individualism, and daring. He was also the inspiration behind the stunning works in this exhibition.

Curator Jerry Ma’s modern Monkey King idea began with his first exhibition at Pearl River Mart, A CHINATOWN ODYSSEY (which inspired his graphic novel). This solo show was his reimagining of the mythical creature and his legendary cohorts on adventures — and misadventures — throughout NYC’s Chinatown.

This new exhibition, featuring the works of eight renowned AAPI comic book and graphic novel artists, furthered those adventures. The pieces reimagined the simian folk hero as everything from a punk rocker to a dancing king to a ferocious b-baller. They placed 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 connected the past with the present, bringing a Chinese legend into a Chinese American community, and beyond. They made him part of that community. Eating, dancing, playing, and laughing alongside its members.

The exhibition also featured the artists’ works from their careers as comic book and graphic novel artists, and was accompanied by installations in Chelsea Market and the outdoor tables of the Meatpacking District.

The featured artists:

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Posted on August 25, 2025

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