On February 17th, the Chinese Lunar New Year will begin, ushering in the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse, an animal of independence and freedom. Although I don’t have any equine artwork from China in my collection of retro ceramics and glass, I did find this ‘Beswick’ plate, featured above, with a design of beautiful circus horses.
What will 2026 bring. Sadly, in recent years the world has shifted from a state of relative calm to one of increasing chaos. Over the past two years, Israel has been accused of carrying out a genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza, and the Russia/Ukraine war which threatens the stability of Europe does not seem to be any nearer to a settlement. Civil wars in Yemen, in Sudan and in DR Congo, exacerbated by the involvement of external governments are leading to horrific massacres and famine.
Additionally, the effects of climate change are becoming more visible around the globe with rising temperatures, wildfires, and storms raging more frequently and intensely, creating widespread destruction and flooding. All of which will likely lead to increased food poverty, drought and the displacement of populations.
At the same time, the rise of populist political leaders is creating more division in society, making it increasingly difficult to find consensus on solving the huge crises the planet is facing. International bodies like the United Nations attempt to tackle some of these urgent problems but the structure of the UN seems to be flawed when it takes only a single member state to veto a decision and prevent it from being enacted.
A year ago, I wrote optimistically that the Chinese Year of the Snake might bring some peace and calm but I don’t think anyone then foresaw that the incoming leader of the United States would threaten US democracy and the world order to the extent that he has. With his aggressive stance on trade he has upturned international economies and sent ripples of uncertainty around the world. The military power of the US and its willingness to use it to solve situations which might be better dealt with diplomatically is also very destabilising.
It’s hard to accept that in the 21st century mankind is still struggling to live in peace, and at times the future seems hopeless but there is perhaps some possibility of change. The internet and social media, although they have many serious downsides, have enabled the sharing of information instantly throughout the world and opened our eyes to the injustices taking place. It is now possible for individuals to bypass governments and communicate directly with a wider audience. For example, through social media we have become aware of the dire situation of innocent civilians in Palestine, the complicity of our own governments and the silence of mainstream media. People are waking up and realising that they can work together to create change for the better, even as governments are attempting to silence peaceful protest. As well as voting power, citizens have spending power, and can effect change through raising and promoting petitions, funding NGOs, charitable and educational organisations, and through movements like BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions). Our money is also our voice.
There are many challenges ahead, the expansion of surveillance technology and the growth of AI will have unknown consequences for society but again, by spreading awareness individuals can hopefully unite to bring pressure on governments to limit any adverse effects. Perhaps AI can be harnessed positively as a production tool, releasing many workers from monotonous tasks and making time and space for more creative and socially interactive careers, though again this might be optimistic thinking.
Talking of creative work, the mid-century plate from my collection features a beautiful illustration of circus performers, though as a young child I remember finding the circus quite frightening, particularly the grinning clown– perhaps because I didn’t know who was behind the painted face. Likewise, the clownish persona of the US president is a useful front for the sinister forces behind the United States government– the right wing extremists, tech billionaires and oil barons who really control the narrative, but there is a warning for them contained in this interesting Turkish proverb, ‘When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king. The palace turns into a circus’.
The Chinese Year of the Horse signifies energy, passion, movement and freedom, even more so in the Year of the Fire Horse but like the performers in the circus illustration we will have to keep our balance and hold on tight– there will likely be a bumpy ride ahead. Thinking about horses has reminded me of a track by The Rolling Stones from 1971, a time in my youth when I remember the world as being a happier and freer place. However, it was probably just as chaotic then, but without a computer or smart phone I was blissfully unaware.
Retromode 