Some people look for signs. So she painted 12.

Lian Yung Morales, a 26-year-old artist and former biomedical researcher from Stanford, is preparing for her first solo art exhibition, “Lucky Numbers,” which opens on April 3, 2025, at The Birdcage SF. The show highlights her vibrant reinterpretations of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, a project inspired by her mixed-race heritage—her mother is Chinese, and her father is Puerto Rican. Yung's artistic journey began with calligraphy lessons from her grandfather and was further influenced by the late Korean artist Kim Jung Gi, whose work encouraged her to explore bold angles and surreal compositions. She expresses a desire for viewers to connect with their zodiac signs through her art, aiming for them to say, “Oh my gosh, that’s me. ” The number eight, a symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture, is subtly woven throughout her pieces, signifying a broader wealth in love and luck.

Yung's creative process is spontaneous; she often chooses her canvas first and allows the materials to dictate her designs. “Lucky Numbers” serves not only as a tribute to cultural tradition but also as a message of resilience and joy. Yung hopes to inspire others to embark on their own creative endeavors, emphasizing that starting is the most crucial step.