In the dynamic and visually gripping Horse Race, Bayarbaatar Selee captures the thunderous spirit of the Mongolian steppe, transforming a traditional sporting event into a breathless, cinematic meditation on speed and heritage. Measuring 70 x 95 cm (27″ x 37″), this 2004 oil on canvas utilizes a sweeping horizontal composition to immerse the viewer in the heart of the action. The unique selling point of this work is Selee’s signature “narrative impasto”—a sophisticated technical approach where he employs robust, rhythmic brushwork to convey the muscular intensity of the galloping horses and the grit of the dust-filled landscape. By contrasting this high-energy, tactile surface with ethereal, luminous glazes in the background, the artist creates a stunning sense of blurred motion that makes the painting feel as though it is vibrating with life. It is not merely a depiction of a race, but a masterful orchestration of atmosphere, light, and form that honors the timeless bond between the rider and his mount. For the discerning collector, Horse Race is a premium, high-impact acquisition—a sophisticated focal point that brings an aura of raw, elemental power and cultural prestige to any curated interior.
About the Artist
Born in 1964 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Bayarbaatar Selee is an acclaimed contemporary artist renowned for his ability to translate the raw, austere beauty of the Mongolian landscape and the authentic rhythms of daily life into deeply resonant, high-impact figurative works. His practice is characterized by a sophisticated, nuanced approach to light and composition, often focusing on themes of heritage, resilience, and the intimate connections between people and their environment. With a career spanning decades, Selee has earned significant recognition for his evocative, painterly style, which bridges the gap between traditional realism and contemporary emotional storytelling, securing his place as a vital, enduring voice in modern Central Asian art.
