Martin Wong's Popeye Sculptures Activated at P·P·O·W
P·P·O·W is hosting 'Martin Wong: Popeye', marking the artist's inaugural solo exhibition in New York in over ten years, co-curated by Mark Dean Johnson and Anneliis Beadnell. This showcase delves into Wong's three-decade-long relationship with comic book art and tattoo aesthetics, featuring oversized Popeye cutouts from 1989 to 1997. For the first time, eight of Wong's painted sculptures of Popeye are brought to life, drawing inspiration from Op Art, Tibetan Citipati, and Cubism. These works reflect an edgy, sexual undertone, merging social realism with homoerotic themes. Wong's interest in cartoons was sparked during his journey along the Hippie Trail in the 1970s. The exhibition will be on display until May 30, 2026.
Key facts
- P·P·O·W presents 'Martin Wong: Popeye', the gallery's sixth solo exhibition of the artist.
- It is the first solo show of Martin Wong in New York in over a decade.
- Co-curated by Mark Dean Johnson and Anneliis Beadnell.
- Exhibition examines Wong's preoccupation with comic book illustration and early tattoo imagery.
- Anchored by a suite of larger-than-life Popeye cutouts created between 1989-97.
- Eight of Wong's Popeye painted sculptures are brought together and activated for the first time.
- The Popeye character functioned on an erotic level for Wong, as noted by Johnson.
- Exhibition runs until May 30, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Martin Wong
Institutions
- P·P·O·W
Locations
- New York
- United States