As the Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Horse, Beijing-based artist Li Wei is captivating global audiences with vibrant reinterpretations of this zodiac symbol. Blazing across silk canvases with bold neon hues and traditional ink techniques, Li's "Galloping Through Time" series has become an unexpected highlight of 2026's celebrations.
The 36-year-old artist, born during the 1990 Horse Year, describes his work as "a dialogue between ancestral wisdom and modern rebellion." While maintaining the fluid brushstrokes of classical Chinese painting, Li incorporates electric colors that glow under UV light installations – a deliberate metaphor for contemporary China's dynamic evolution.
Cultural analysts note the timing resonates deeply as the Chinese mainland experiences renewed interest in traditional arts among younger generations. "Li's horses aren't just animals," observes Shanghai Art Institute's Dr. Zhang Ming. "They're kinetic energy captured on paper – perfect symbolism for a society balancing heritage with innovation."
With exhibitions scheduled in Hong Kong and Singapore through March, these visionary works are galloping beyond gallery walls. Social media platforms report over 2 million shares of Li's digital animations featuring his neon steeds racing through augmented-reality landscapes of the Great Wall and Shanghai Tower.
