NING CHEN

Chen specialises in using traditional Chinese brush and ink on paper in his creation. He is well known for his unique creation of anthropomorphic animals, especially horses. His art explores his understanding and thoughts about life, nature and culture through innovative techniques.

Chen has had many solo and group exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne and Shanghai. His latest solo exhibition entitled Riding on Dreams was held in Live in Art in Sydney in 2023. He was the finalist in the 2023 Hazelhurst Art on Paper Award.

Over the years Chen has continued to create a balance between tradition and modernity, exploring the relationship between man and nature, East and West through his artworks. He is committed to building a bridge of cultural exchange through his artistic creations, and his artistic career is a testimony to the fusion and innovation of Chinese and Western art traditions.

Cultural and Curatorial Advisor of Rochfort Gallery

If you were born in 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, or will be born on or after 17 February 2026, you are or will be a Horse, the Chinese zodiac animal symbolising success, strength, stability, and elegance. 

The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle of animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The Horse is the seventh in the cycle. In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on February 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse — the Fire Horse.

People born in the Year of the Horse are known for their optimism, energy, perseverance, independent thinking, love of freedom, positive mindset, compassion,  and charm. They are excellent communicators, able to engage others in conversation and brighten any atmosphere. Passionate about freedom, they strive to break away from restraints. Highly driven in life and career, they make extraordinary efforts to achieve their goals. Horse people are ideal friends, valued for their candour, fairness, understanding, and empathy. The Horse is most compatible with the Tiger, Goat, and Dog, and less compatible with the Rat, Ox, and Snake—this should not be taken as matchmaking or family-relationship gospel.

Horses tend to be impulsive and make hasty decisions. They are easily swayed and may become impatient. Their reluctance to accept defeat can sometimes come across as stubbornness, or even foolhardiness. When their initial enthusiasm fades, they may give up halfway. Horses also need to be careful that their drive for independence does not alienate them from being cooperative. 

According to the Chinese Five Elements Theory, each year is assigned one of five elements—Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, or Earth—in addition to the zodiac animal. These elements add extra personality traits to the zodiac signs. The year 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. Fire Horses are intelligent, charismatic, lively, and full of enthusiasm, but they can also be stubborn.

Horses’ openness and sociability, combined with their eloquence and strong sense of integrity, make them exceptional leaders and social advocates. They excel as entrepreneurs, artists, writers, musicians, designers, journalists, and pilots. On the other hand, they may struggle in roles as accountants, archivists, or public servants.

The Year of the Horse represents success, vitality, strength, good fortune, prosperity, and opportunities. In Chinese ancient history, horses are crucial in winning battles, which is why they symbolise the key to success and good fortune. Many idioms reflect the important role horses play in human endeavours, such as 

马到成功: Upon the horse’s arrival, success is secured. 

一马当先: The leading horse charges ahead at the forefront. 

老马识途: An old horse knows the way; experience leads the way. 

汗马功劳: Great contributions achieved through hard work, as a horse sheds sweat. 

There is also a sarcastic idiom, 拍马屁: patting a horse’s backside, meaning to flatter or lick someone’s boots. 

Famous Horses include: Frédéric Chopin, Edgar Degas, Igor Stravinsky, Aldous Huxley, Mark Twain, J. D. Salinger, Theodore Roosevelt, Robert Menzies, Nelson Mandela, Angela Merkel, Warren Buffett, Joe Biden, Malcolm Turnbull, Neil Armstrong, Jimi Hendrix, Barbra Streisand, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Sinéad O’Connor, Martin Scorsese, Jane Campion. Emma Watson, Ang Lee, Jackie Chan.