Renowned artist Yuan Xikun, self-styled as "Bi Mawen" (Guardian of Horses), continues to redefine the symbolic power of the horse in contemporary art. As the Lunar Year of the Horse approaches in 2026, his dynamic sculptures and ink paintings resonate with global audiences, blending tradition with modern vitality.
Yuan’s work transcends mere representation, embodying what he calls the "Spirit of Loong and Horse" – a metaphor for resilience and progress. His fluid brushstrokes and sculptural forms evoke motion, capturing the animal’s essence as a mirror to societal transformation.
"The horse is not just a subject; it’s a language," Yuan explains, emphasizing how his art bridges cultural heritage and contemporary aspirations. Collectors and institutions across Asia have recently acquired his pieces, signaling growing interest in culturally rooted yet globally relevant art.
With exhibitions planned in Shanghai and Singapore this spring, Yuan’s work offers investors and cultural enthusiasts alike a lens into Asia’s evolving artistic landscape. For diaspora communities, his creations serve as visceral connections to shared symbolism, while academics praise his reinvention of classical motifs.
