Art Is Community - The Comic Embassy Opens At Tekka Place - 11 June 2022

A brand new communal space called The Comic Embassy will be opening at Tekka Place this Saturday (11 June), and you are all invited! The experimental project is conceptualised by SG Cartoon Resource Hub, supported by Tekka 1001 with sponsorship from Millet Group and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

From June to November 2022, The Comic Embassy aims to generate more interest for local comic book artists and creators, by showcasing the talent of established as well as emerging artists. A pair of artist ambassadors will be featured each month. Through an extensive programme that includes book launches, meet and greet sessions, live drawing, workshops and more, The Comic Embassy hopes to provide ways for artists to connect with the public, including comic book fans as well as future collaborators.

The Comic Embassy - An Interview With Multi-faceted Freelance Artist James Leong

An exciting and experimental communal space for comic artists called The Comic Embassy is currently being set up at Tekka Place. The embassy aims to promote local interest in comic creation, and will shine the spotlight on two artist ambassadors each month.

Local freelance artist James Leong is one of the artists who will help kick off the launch of The Comic Embassy. Upon first impression, James’ buff and tough exterior might remind you of an Asian Jason Statham, all ready to dive into action with guns a-blazing. However, instead of drawing real-life weapons, James draws gorgeous art pieces of highly imaginative characters and creatures.

Before he went freelance, James spent decades toughing it out as Art Director in the advertising industry, working with client projects like OCBC and SK-II. Now, he not only creates comics and manages his own wearable art brand #DaCatPeeps, he also flexes his knowledge as a professional educator teaching enthusiasts about art, story-telling and related topics.

As an artist with several years of working experience, James certainly has a lot to share. So, Red Dot Diva pumped up a few nosy questions, just to find out a little more about the man behind the drawing board: