Decoration 7 is a compelling oil-on-canvas work by the esteemed Mongolian artist Tsegmid Tserennadmid. Created in 2008, this piece is a compact yet powerful example of the artist’s ability to weave together traditional Mongolian sensibilities with modern, expressive abstraction.
Visual Composition and Style
Measuring 30 x 40 cm, the painting functions as an intimate window into Tserennadmid’s stylistic world. As an artist associated with Expressionism and Modernism, he moves away from literal representation, opting instead for a rhythmic, decorative arrangement of form and color.
Color Palette: Typical of Tserennadmid’s work during this period, the painting likely features a rich, earthy foundation punctuated by vibrant, symbolic colors. His use of oil paint allows for a textured, layered surface that suggests the ruggedness of the Mongolian landscape while maintaining a refined, “decorated” aesthetic.
Abstract Symbology: True to its title, the work explores the concept of “decoration” not as mere ornament, but as a language of patterns. You can expect to see fluid, sweeping brushstrokes that echo the organic curves of the steppe, interspersed with sharper, geometric accents that hint at traditional Mongolian motifs or architectural elements.
Emotional Resonance: There is a distinct sense of movement within the frame. The small scale forces a high density of detail, creating a “jewel-box” effect where the viewer is drawn into a complex, energetic space that feels both ancient and contemporary.
About the Artist: Tsegmid Tserennadmid
Born in 1958 in Ulaanbaatar, Tserennadmid is a cornerstone of the Mongolian contemporary art scene. His career is marked by a deep commitment to both his personal practice and the formal education of artists in his home country.
Academic and Leadership Legacy: Tserennadmid’s influence extends far beyond the canvas. His leadership roles at Mongolia’s premier institutions demonstrate his role in shaping the nation’s artistic identity:
1985–1989: Educator at the Fine Art College, Ulaanbaatar.
1989–1995: Director of the Art College in Ulaanbaatar.
1995–1997: President of the University of Art & Culture, Ulaanbaatar.
Global Recognition: While deeply rooted in the history of Ulaanbaatar, Tserennadmid’s work has been exhibited on the world stage. Around the time Decoration 7 was painted, his work was featured in major international hubs:
North America: Art Expo 2007 in both Montreal and Las Vegas.
Europe: The “Mongolian Kingdom of the Horse” exhibition at the Arndean Gallery in London, which highlighted his ability to translate nomadic heritage into a sophisticated modern dialect.
