To commemorate the wonderful beginning of 2026, Whitestone Gallery commissioned three artists—Miwa Komatsu, Dai Ying, and Clasutta—to create horse-themed paintings in celebration of the Year of the Horse. Three uniquely captivating interpretations were born. In this article, we introduce the wishes embodied in each work, accompanied by the artists' own words.

Miwa Komatsu: Embodying the Seto Inland Sea and Energy

Miwa Komatsu

Miwa Komatsu is a contemporary artist who expresses the spiritual world and invisible life energy through motifs such as Komainu (guardian dogs) and Divine Spirits. She enjoys tremendous popularity not only in Japan but worldwide. This particular work was created during her preparation for an exhibition at Simose Art Museum in Hiroshima Prefecture. Inspired by the Seto Inland Sea stretching before the museum, she produced a mystical horse with scales, bearing the attributes of the water. Speaking about this year's horse, Komatsu says it represents "an image of energetically flying toward the future." The blend of water and energy elements has resulted in a piece radiating vitality befitting the beginning of a new year.

Miwa Komatsu's horse with the Seto Inland Sea and Simose Museum in the background

Currently, the "SIMOSE New Collection Exhibition Part Ⅱ― Sam Falls, Miwa Komatsu" is being held at Simose Art Museum until February 1. This special exhibition primarily features newly acquired works for the museum's collection. Visitors can experience her artistic journey through over 30 pieces, from rare early copperplate prints to recent works showcasing her powerful brushwork.

Simose Art Museum

Dai Ying: Wings of Free Flight

Dai Ying's winged celestial horse with flowing mane

Chinese artist Dai Ying (戴莹) is gaining increasing attention from international collectors.Inspired by the Chinese proverb Tianma Xingkong—meaning unbridled and unfettered—she created a powerful celestial horse with wings and a sweeping mane. The wings symbolize imagination and the ability to move freely through space, while the mane conveys a longing for elevation and unrestrained movement.

Her work has been presented internationally at art fairs, galleries, and institutional exhibitions across Asia, Europe, and the United States, including Miami, Hong Kong, Berlin, and New York.Through her practice, Dai Ying challenges conventional representations of East Asian women, foregrounding figures that assert autonomy, agency, and presence. Her first solo exhibition in Japan is scheduled for March 2026.

Dai Ying in the process of creating

Clasutta: Galloping with Stripes, True to Oneself

Clasutta

The most humorous piece comes from Indonesian artist Clasutta. Her vivid wit, which laughs away everyday life, awakens the free sensibility sleeping in the hearts of viewers. The painting depicts a striped horse clinging to the center of a merry-go-round, performing the same movements as everyone else but somehow sensing this isn't where it truly belongs. This makes perfect sense—this horse isn't a wooden horse like the others but a wild zebra. Clasutta says, "Get down from there and show off those stripes in the Year of the Horse!" Through the zebra character, she humorously conveys that each of us is a unique existence that no one can imitate.

Currently, she is holding a duo exhibition "Little Theatre: KAPPAO, CLASUTTA" at Whitestone Gallery Taipei, and is preparing for participation in Art SG in Singapore. Her activities are gaining momentum, especially in Asia.

Clasutta “Carousel(f) Session”

Little Theatre: KAPPAO, CLASUTTA

The fresh energy infused by Miwa Komatsu, the autonomous subjectivity presented by Dai Ying, and the brilliant humor portrayed by Clasutta—the horses depicted by each artist bring us new inspiration.

For those interested in learning more about the creative process and behind-the-scenes aspects of these works, please check out our Instagram Reels (@whitestonegallery.official).

For more details on the featured artists, please visit the following links: Miwa Komatsu, Dai Ying, Clasutta