THE COURAGEOUS EIGHT

 

The Courageous Eight, acrylic on canvas, 2026. 48" X 36" (122 cm X 91.5 cm)

The artist welcomes the Year of the Horse 2026 with a recreation of the popular Eight Horses (ba jun tu/八骏图) image in Feng Shui peppered with auspicious symbols. 

Among all the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac, the horse stands out as the most dynamic, free-spirited and action-driven sign. Horses carry a vibrant life force, and a natural fire that moves quickly, thinks fast, and acts boldly. In the Chinese Zodiac, the Horse belongs to the fire element, and the Earthly Branch element of 2026's Horse sign is fire. This combination makes the Horse of 2026 not simply run, but ascend, where power meets power and destiny meets readiness.

The luckiest number of horses to depict in a painting is eight, as it symbolizes speedy success, fame, and holistic growth, representing progress in career, wealth, health, and personal development. The number eight signifies the eight aspirations of life, bringing positive energy, courage, and endurance, but ensures the horses run in symmetry towards the same direction, not in opposite directions, for auspicious results. The artist depicts the horses as young horses, representing the new Horse year and emphasising the Horse's aspects as a symbol of new beginnings, vitality, and forward momentum.

The cloud formation in the painting coalesce into the form of a white dragon, representing new beginnings, protection, boosted confidence, good fortune and strengthening family bonds. Winter berries scattered across the painting symbolize hope, life, protection, and abundance, as well as the transition from winter to spring. They also embody the wood element and wood fuels the Horse's fire element, enhancing growth and passion. The painting is also paired with a flowing river with fish for wealth, abundance, and positive energy flow.

The artist takes this opportunity to wish viewers of his blog and potential buyers of his artworks a blessed and prosperous Year of the Horse 2026, and also wishes for the blessing of wealth, health and everlasting support.

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