Martin Wong: Popeye

In 2026, P.P.O.W will present Martin Wong’s sixth solo exhibition, an previously unseen work exploring his obsession with artistic subcultures, particularly comic book illustration and old tattoos. This exhibition marks Wong’s return to New York after more than a decade and features a series of painted wooden sculptures depicting the icon Popeye, reimagined with a brick-inspired aesthetic. Inspired by diverse sources such as Op Art, morning cartoons, and Chinese armies, the work fuses cultural references with techniques. Co-curator Mark Dean Johnson highlights Wong’s importance as a key figure in ‘lowbrow art.’ This exhibition is a rare tribute to an artist who transformed everyday elements into powerful and vibrant works of art. It will run from April 18th to May 30th, 2026.