MESSAGES

February 14 – 24, 2008
Opening reception: February 14, 2008 at 5 p.m.

XanaduART gallery is proud to host a solo exhibition by artist Yo. Dalkh-Ochir entitled “Messages”.

Yo. Dalkh-ochir, who has been named “the father of Mongolian contemporary art”, has been actively exhibiting and promoting Mongolian contemporary art since 1980s. He has pioneered the use of installations and land art projects in the 1990s, popularizing these mediums among younger artists. In 2002 Dalkh-ochir has established the “Blue sun” contemporary art group, which brings together many emerging artists working in different mediums. His protégés include D. Batzorig (Bazo), B. Chinbat, D. Dorjderem and T. Enkhbold, among others.

“Messages”, hosted by XanaduART gallery, is the first solo exhibition by the artist in Ulaanbaatar in many years. Dalkha, as he is known, is exhibiting several large scale paintings, sculptures and installations united under one concept – “Messages”. The word has several different connotations in Dalkha’s work – first of all, it embodies a spiritual and holy element, secondly, it addresses the question of technology taking over human lives, thereby separating men from the primordial bond with nature. In relation to this issue, the artist has named his paintings after the text messages he has received while working on the painting, which quite literally goes with the title “Messages”.

The four-limbed figure in his paintings and sculptures is a captivating image, entrapping the viewer with its odd composition. Along the lines of the title, one may see it as the image of the modern man, who has been infinitely accessorized. However, the naked figure still appears very primitive as its sits surrounded by a primal landscape. Man’s connection and dependence upon nature is a theme Dalkh-ochir has frequently explored, and his latest works still retain this tendency.

Along with the paintings, the exhibition includes an installation created with objects which the artist used and interacted with during the five months he spent in his studio in preparation for the exhibition. Dead flies, cigarette butts and odd trinkets fill the plaster boards as witnesses of the artistic process. Thus, the figure of the artist is brought to the forefront.

The exhibition’s website is available at the following address: MESSAGES. Please contact the gallery at 976-11-310239 (Mongolian) or e-mail info@xanaduartgallery.org (English) for more information regarding this exhibition.

SOUND OF SPACE

December 20, 2007 – January 3, 2008
Opening reception: December 20, 2007 at 5 p.m.

XanaduART gallery is proud to host an exhibition of new works by Zazaa (G. Narantsatsralt) entitled “Sound of space”.

Zazaa’s paintings are dynamic manifestations of life – she expresses her internal passions with a bold use of color and a richness of representation. Zazaa’s work is deeply sensual because she mainly chooses to work with the imagery of the female form, the beauty of which is accentuated by her vibrant use of color. Although her works may be considered erotic, Zazaa’s portrayal of the body invokes an almost spiritual awe, endowing her paintings with a magical quality.

Zazaa, born in 1973, has graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in 1999 under the instruction of L. Bumandorj. She has been painting professionally since 2001, and now alternates her working year between her studios in both Berlin and Ulaanbaatar. Art connoisseurs may have seen her work in the “Le Soleil” restaurant at the Narantuul hotel.

Please contact the gallery at 976-11-310239 (Mongolian) or e-mail info@xanaduartgallery.org (English) for more information regarding this exhibition.

Exhibition dates: April 5 – 15, 2007

XanaduART gallery is proud to present a solo exhibition by D. Soyolmaa entitled “The City of Gandharas”. Soyolmaa, who has graduated from the University of Arts and Culture in 1998, is dedicating her current exhibition to the reconstruction of the Baldan Khajid Ling monastery, founded in the 1830s by Danzanravjaa in the Zaisan region of UB. The monastery had been destroyed during communist purges, however a loyal group of followers are endeavoring to reconstruct Baldan Khajid Ling in all its glory. Soyolmaa is generously donating all the sale proceeds from “The City of Gandharas” exhibition to the reconstruction project.

In keeping with the goals of the exhibition, artwork of “The City of Gandharas” exhibition mainly features Buddhist inspired themes, including images of Boddhisatvas, Buddhist scenes and traditional thangkas.

For more information about this exhibition please call XanaduART gallery at 976-11-310239 (Mongolian) or e-mail info@xanaduartgallery.org (English).

Exhibition dates: January 11 – 24, 2007

“XanaduART” gallery is honored to host an exhibition of watercolor studies by G. Odon, State Laureate and People’s Artist. G. Odon is one of the most revered figures of Mongolian art and a classical representative of socialist realist painting dominant throughout the 20th century.

Odon was born in Dashbalbar soum of Dornod aimag in 1925. While working, he attended drawing courses, eventually enrolling at the Surikov Moscow State Art Institute under the instruction of Professor Korzhevsky. After graduating, Odon taught art at the State Teacher’s Institute, shaping the minds of many future artists.

History, common life and nature are the prevailing themes of his oeuvre, as evidenced by “After work”, one of his most famous paintings. Besides being a master of oil painting, Odon was a spectacular watercolor artist. Odon’s works are held by the Modern art gallery of Mongolia and other public collections.

The present exhibition brings together previously unexhibited watercolor studies by the late master dating from the 1970s and 1980s, the exhibition was made possible by the generous initiative of Odon’s daughter O.Nyamaa.

For more information about this exhibition please call XanaduART gallery at 976-11-310239 (Mongolian) or e-mail info@xanaduartgallery.org (English).

SELECTED WORKS EXHIBITED

December 25, 2006 – January 3, 2007

“XanaduART” gallery is proud to present a solo exhibition of graphic work by the Russian artist Leonid Stroganoff entitled “Sensibility”. The exhibition was organized in collaboration with Mr. Stroganoff’s friends in Mongolia and the Embassy of the Russian Federation. Works exhibited include a series of illustrations based on William Shakespeare’s “King Lear” as well as Biblical scenes. The exhibition opening was attended by representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Education and Culture of Mongolia. A violin quartet added to the ambience of the evening by performing classical favorites.

Leonid Stroganoff, born in 1979, has received extensive arts education from the leading fine arts schools of the Russian Federation. His works are held in the collections of the Petersbourg Public Library, Hermitage Library, Boston Public Library, State museum of Vologda as well as private collections around the world.

INSTALLATION VIEW