Year of Horse charges out of gate at art festival

According to the Chinese zodiac, the horse is a symbol of energy, strength and adventurous spirit. To celebrate the Year of the Horse, CITIC Square is presenting a New Year.s art festival featuring public art installations, a DIY toy horse workshop and a photography exhibition.

A total of 20 artistic horse statues designed by avant-garde artists from all over the country are displayed at the CITIC Square plaza.

The exhibition, titled "Hold Your Horses," is also a collaboration with APPortfolio, Asia's leading international young artist platform.

The horse exhibits include Taiwan artist Oscar Hsu's "Subconscious Color," and mainland artists Chen Hui's "Miro Impression" and Zhu Hanyuan's "The Melody Imagine."

Through sharply contrasting color and fascinating shapes, the artworks try to explore humans. relationship with nature and evoke people's philosophical thinking about life and love in fast-paced modern society. Some artworks also present new interpretations of dreams and childhood fun.

The young artists will also host the DIY toy horse workshop for children. They will teach kids how to paint and design their own toys.

At the photography exhibition, Shanghai's veteran radio hosts Qu Cheng, Xiao Lin and Ye Bo have put 60 photographs on exhibit. The photos capture impressive moments and landscapes on their journeys and adventures.

"Art is not a luxury," said Yan Yihong, an official with CITIC Square. "The art festival is to make art accessible to everyone and offer young, promising creative people a platform to showcase their talent."

Date: Through February 28, 10am-10pm

Venue: CITIC Square, 1168 Nanjing Rd W.

Admission: Free

Tel: 6218-0180