S'porean artist Sonny Liew's Charlie Chan Hock Chye comic to have 3-site exhibition in Bugis from Dec. 6-28

Singaporean artist Sonny Liew's award-winning graphic novel, The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, will have a three-site exhibition in Bugis from Dec. 6 to 28, 2025.

It is part of the comic's 10th anniversary celebration.

The exhibition will be held at Chaos Gallery in Waterloo Centre, as well as Basheer Graphic Books and InkInk Collectibles in Bras Basah Complex.

It offers fans an immersive exploration of the story, Liew's other original works and also exclusive merchandise.

Enjoy various experiences and merchandise

The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, which was published in March 2015, made history as the first Singaporean work to win three Eisner Awards in 2017.

It also ignited public discussions about freedom of expression and the telling of Singapore's history.

The exhibition, titled after the comic, aims to highlight the intricate narratives, behind-the-scenes processes, and the comic's international reception.

Chaos Gallery: The Stories of Charlie Chan

Visitors are welcome to delve into eight of Charlie Chan's key comic creations at Chaos Gallery.

These include Ah Huat's Giant Robot and Days of August.

Original ink pages and reproductions, alongside four oil paintings by Liew featuring Charlie, his mother, and Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, will also be displayed.

The gallery also features full-colour comic covers by American master printer Ben Diep, providing a deep dive into the novel's narrative and artistic complexity.

Exhibition co-curator Nurul Kaiyisah said: "The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye resonates with the longstanding desire for histories written against the grain. This exhibition not only commemorates the work, but celebrates the stories and spirits who challenge monolithic narratives."

Basheer Graphic Books: The Making of the Graphic Novel

At Basheer Graphic Books, visitors will be able to experience the creative process behind the novel.

Original pencil and ink drawings illustrate how Liew transforms ideas from thumbnails to completed pages, combining analogue and digital techniques.

The exhibition also highlights comic legends referenced in the novel, from Winsor McCay to Osamu Tezuka, giving audiences insight into the medium's global history.

Co-curator Rachel Lim said: "The graphic novel is a tribute to comic history, a story about an artist navigating society, and an alternative history of Singapore. We hope visitors will connect with its many layers and themes."

InkInk Collectibles: The Afterlife and Legacy

The novel's cultural impact will be commemorated at InkInk Collectibles, which features items such as the original Ah Huat fabric doll.

The site's centrepiece is a set of nine original book covers by artists from Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and the U.S., offering fresh interpretations of Liew's work.

These covers are available for purchase and will also be featured in a customisable zine.

Interactive activities

The exhibition also encourages engagement through a stamp rally across all three sites.

Visitors can look forward to interactive activities such as a design-your-own-cover zine, and opportunities to purchase rare prints and the 10th-anniversary edition of the novel.

The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye: The Exhibition

Address:

• Chaos Gallery: Waterloo Centre, 261 Waterloo Street #02-25, Singapore 180261
• Basheer Graphic Books: Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, #04-19, Singapore 180231
• InkInk Collectibles: Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, #04-43, Singapore 180231

Opening hours:

• Chaos Gallery: 1pm to 6pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)
• Basheer Graphic Books: 10am to 8pm (Daily)
• InkInk Collectibles: 1pm to 7:30pm (Daily)

Admission is free for all.

Visitors may check the exhibition's Instagram for more information.

Top photos via @sonny_liew & @writlargeinc/Instagram