Lucky Charms: A Contemporary Interpretation of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs

Lucky Charms is a fresh reimagining of the Chinese Zodiac, a system deeply rooted in millennia of Chinese culture and storytelling. In this series, artist Ann Liu (刘谙) offers a contemporary interpretation of the twelve zodiac animals—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig—through her distinct aesthetic, blending airbrush and acrylic on canvas. Each painting weaves together traditional Chinese motifs with a modern sensibility, creating a dialogue between heritage and innovation, past and present, and personal and collective identity.

Liu, an emerging American-born artist, bridges ancient Chinese traditions with American pop culture, using her artistic practice as a means of reconnecting with her roots. Through her work, she explores themes of family heritage and personal introspection, balancing the intricate beauty of Chinese cultural symbolism with a contemporary, diasporic perspective.

The exhibition presents a vibrant collection of paintings that examine cultural hybridity, self-discovery, and the evolving nature of tradition in a globalized world. Liu’s signature style masterfully intertwines traditional Chinese compositions, auspicious symbols, and mythological references with contemporary techniques, forging a compelling conversation between generations and across cultures. Lucky Charms is a celebration of lineage and identity—an homage to the past, reimagined for the present.