Master painter reinvents zodiac merch

Chen Xiangbo, a pupil of Guan Shanyue, the late master of the Lingnan School of ink painting, is celebrated for his gongbi-style flower-and-bird paintings, charming Chinese zodiac-themed creations, and innovative practices that bridge traditional Chinese culture with contemporary expression.

Visitors observe Chen Xiangbo's horse paintings at Guangming Culture and Art Center.  Images courtesy of Guangming Culture and Art Center

Through March 3, an exhibition presenting Chen’s representative works is beckoning visitors at the Guangming Culture and Art Center, offering insight into the artistic evolution of this prominent contemporary artist based in Shenzhen.

Titled “Galloping Towards Brilliance,” the exhibition is organized into three sections. 

These highlight Chen’s meticulous flower-and-bird paintings; his traditional ink works and whimsical figurines and installations based on the Chinese zodiac; and his digital piece “Appreciating Lotus,” along with other public artworks.

Chen Xiangbo poses with his "Rabbit Round."

Rooted in the long tradition of literati ink painting, Chen skillfully integrates a Western approach to color into his brushwork. This fusion lends his flower-and-bird compositions a natural yet dreamlike Oriental aura that resonates with modern viewers. The serene images of lotuses and otherworldly peacocks transport audiences into a meditative dreamscape.

Chen Xiangbo is renowned for flower-and-bird paintings.

In the zodiac-themed section, visitors can observe how the artist captures the lively gestures and expressions of the twelve animals with deft, simplified brushstrokes on rice paper. 

Several dynamic horse paintings — with wind-swept manes and spirited galloping poses — draw the eye, conveying auspicious wishes for the coming Lunar New Year. Here, visitors will also encounter cute renditions of the zodiac animals, presented both as two-dimensional works and as three-dimensional sculptures and figurines.

The horse figurines come in five colors: earthy brown, dark green, azure, fiery red, and light gray.

In addition to “Auspicious Tiger” and “Rabbit Round” — originally created for the 2022 and 2023 Spring Festival Galas — visitors can pose for photos with adorable dragon figurines and sculptures of the “Bo Bo Horse,” a round-bodied, large-eyed yellow pony with a tuft of bright orange mane. 

Reflecting the traditional Chinese concept of the five elements, the horses are presented in five distinct colors: earthy brown, dark green, azure, fiery red, and light gray.

The dragon figurines on display.

The centerpiece of the third section is an interactive digital installation based on Chen’s ink painting; the lotus flowers’ petals close when touched by visitors.

“I have lived in Shenzhen for more than three decades,” Chen said during the exhibition’s opening ceremony Saturday afternoon. “The city continually inspires me to experiment with new approaches and push creative boundaries.

“The zodiac is a meaningful part of Chinese culture that resonates widely with the public,” he added. “Since 2022, I have been exploring zodiac-themed merchandise aimed at younger audiences — a program I plan to continue in the years to come.”

Born in October 1963, Chen graduated from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts in 1986 and later returned to earn his master’s degree. He currently serves as the curator of the Guan Shanyue Art Museum.

The exhibition opens free to the public.

A poster for the exhibition outside Guangming Culture and Art Center.

Time: Until March 3

Venue: Hall C, 5/F, Fine Art Museum of Guangming Culture and Art Center (光明文化艺术中心美术馆5F展厅C)

Metro: Line 6 to Fenghuang Town Station (凤凰城站), Exit B