Spanish Artist Bakea Unveils Year of the Horse Artworks in Shanghai

Shanghai’s North Bund waterfront is now showcasing vibrant artworks celebrating the Lunar New Year, specifically the Year of the Horse, created by Spanish artist Juan Carlos Paz Gómez, known professionally as Bakea. The unveiling took place on Tuesday, marking the culmination of the Lantern Festival and a growing cultural exchange between Spain and China.

Celebrating the Year of the Horse Through Art

Bakea’s collection, titled “The Power of Transformation,” is part of the Rendez-Vous at North Bund International Artist Residency program. The program aims to foster artistic collaboration and celebrate the 2026 Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, vitality, and auspicious beginnings in Chinese culture .

Two Visual Narratives

The artworks blend traditional Chinese motifs with contemporary artistic expression, set against the backdrop of Shanghai’s skyline. The collection features two distinct visual narratives:

• One poster depicts a galloping horse in red and gold, adorned with traditional Chinese floral patterns and set against iconic Shanghai landmarks, symbolizing strength and success.
• The second artwork creatively pairs the horse with a monkey, representing the power of teamwork and combining the horse’s energy with the monkey’s intelligence .

A Decade of Zodiac Posters

Bakea has been commissioned by the Madrid city government to design annual zodiac posters since 2016. He noted that adapting his artistic approach for a Chinese audience presented a unique challenge. “Incorporating the Shanghai skyline instead of Madrid required a deeper level of cultural sensitivity,” he said .

Growing Appreciation for Chinese New Year in Spain

Reflecting on his decade-long experience creating Chinese New Year posters in Spain, Bakea observed a significant shift in cultural awareness. He recalled that in 2016, Chinese New Year celebrations in Madrid were uncommon. However, this year’s parade drew over 110,000 spectators and featured more than 2,000 participants .

Cultural Integration and Future Plans

Shi Yunqi, chief curator of the residency program and director of CV Channel Shanghai center, described the North Bund as “the intersection point of history and the future, East and West.” She added that Bakea’s function captures this spirit, with the theme of transformation echoing the urban renewal of the North Bund and symbolizing the creative rebirth that occurs when cultures collide and harmonize .

The program plans to expand, inviting artists from France, Germany, Russia, and more to explore fields ranging from sculpture to digital installation. The goal is to achieve cultural integration, as Bakea has done by combining traditional Chinese zodiac culture with his own artistic style and urban characteristics .