BATZORIG Dugarsuren

Bazo’s recent work centers upon the idea of eternal motion and reincarnation as symbolized by the form of the circle, an essential image both in the nomadic philosophy of the Mongols and Buddhism. In this sense, the circle has multiple meanings in Bazo’s work – it is at once a representation of Mongolian history through the millennia, a personal quest for meaning as well as an artistic element full of possibilities. Thus, the artist approaches his subject in various different ways: he paints multi-colored circles on canvases, creates intricate wooden “wheels” or draws circumferences on the ground using odd archaic constructions made of logs, ropes and stones. Bazo’s circles provoke a variety of associations: from the Mongolian ger, the shamanic tambourine and the complicated symbolism of the circle in Buddhist philosophy to western land art and op art. Such different interpretations add multiple layers to Bazo’s work, which makes him one of the most talked about Mongolian artists today.

Although many artists have worked with the abstracted form of the circle, Bazo imparts a uniquely original vision to the subject matter through his masterful use of color and composition. According to the artist, the circle is a perfect shape, which compels him to seek its imperfections by either deforming its perfect form or creating an illusion of discontinuity within it. Sometimes the form of the circle is nearly unrecognizable as the shape is dissipated by a few forceful strokes of the brush. In some of his work, Bazo lets his paint drip on the canvases, endowing the rigid structure of his work with a spontaneous quality. Often his paintings have an eerie sense of deepness that draws the viewer into the abyss; however, when the artist plays with bright pink and neon green paint, his work becomes endearingly cheerful. Thus, the dialogue is brought full circle as these techniques further emphasize the philosophical implications of Bazo’s work.

Born in 1979, Bazo graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia with a painting degree in 2004. Bazo has exhibited extensively both in Mongolia and abroad – his work has been shown in numerous group exhibitions and several solo shows, including two one-man exhibitions at XanaduART gallery and one solo show at the Globe gallery in St. Petersburg, Russia.

In 2005, Bazo won the “Best Work of Art by an Emerging Artist” prize awarded by the Union of Mongolian Artists. His work is held in the permanent collection of the Mongolian Museum of Modern Art as well as numerous private collections.