Experts Predict Turbulent Year Ahead for Art Market in Year of the Fire Horse

Metaphysical experts foresee volatility, disruption, and new opportunities in 2026 based on Chinese zodiac predictions.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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As the Lunar New Year approaches, experts in Chinese astrology and metaphysics have weighed in on what the Year of the Fire Horse has in store for the art market. While predictions based on Chinese metaphysics should be taken with caution, the experts foresee a turbulent year marked by disputes, unrest, and volatility in financial markets and gold. However, they also see opportunities in areas like energy, technology, culture, art, media, and beauty. Emerging markets in the Global South are expected to play a starring role, while traditional markets in Europe and North America may slow down. The experts predict a sudden change or "revolt" in the first half of the year followed by market growth in the second half, with video works, conceptual pieces, and AI/digital art likely to see breakthroughs.

Why it matters

The art market is closely watched globally, and predictions based on Chinese astrology and metaphysics can provide unique insights into potential shifts and disruptions that traditional economic forecasts may miss. Understanding these perspectives can help art world stakeholders prepare for and potentially capitalize on emerging trends.

The details

According to the experts, the Year of the Fire Horse is expected to be marked by disputes, unrest, and high volatility in financial markets and gold. However, areas like energy, technology, culture, art, media, and beauty are predicted to see favorable development. While sales of blue-chip masterpieces may decline slightly, works in the mid- to lower-price tiers are expected to perform well. Emerging markets in Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Gulf, and the wider Global South are expected to play a larger role, while traditional markets in Europe and North America may slow down. Video works, conceptual pieces, and AI/digital art are likely to see breakthroughs, as the year favors intangible and non-physical art forms that explore one's inner world.

  • The Year of the Fire Horse technically arrived on February 4, 2026, the first day of spring and the beginning of the new zodiac.
  • A sudden change or "revolt" that affects the whole industry is predicted to occur in the first half of 2026.
  • Market growth is expected to be pronounced after the second quarter of 2026, though it will be far less than the 2021 market peak.

The players

Spencer Lee Ying Chung

A Hong Kong-based master of feng shui and Chinese metaphysics who made predictions for The Asia Pivot using the bazi method.

Chan Ying Yung

A Hong Kong-based Chinese metaphysics practitioner and art industry insider who made predictions based on I-Ching readings.

John Clang

A Singaporean artist based between Singapore and New York who has mastered the art of I-Ching and Ziwei Doshu (the Chinese equivalent of astrology), adopting them for his artistic practice.

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What they’re saying

“Both financial markets and gold may see major ups and downs and high volatility.”

— Spencer Lee Ying Chung, Hong Kong-based master of feng shui and Chinese metaphysics (The Asia Pivot)

“Trump and Xi will not become friends suddenly, for example, but things won't get worse, and that's already a positive omen.”

— Chan Ying Yung, Hong Kong-based Chinese metaphysics practitioner and art industry insider (The Asia Pivot)

“2026 will be a year of transformation that lays the groundwork for 2027.”

— John Clang, Singaporean artist (The Asia Pivot)

What’s next

Market growth is expected to be pronounced after the second quarter of 2026, following a sudden change or "revolt" that affects the whole industry in the first half of the year.

The takeaway

While predictions based on Chinese metaphysics should be taken with caution, the experts foresee significant disruption and volatility in the art market during the Year of the Fire Horse, but also opportunities for new artistic movements and emerging markets to thrive. Stakeholders in the art world should closely monitor these developments and be prepared to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape.