Horses is a striking contemporary work by the renowned Mongolian artist Chimeddorj Shagdarjav. Reflecting his mastery of the Modernist and Geometric styles, the painting is an expansive, panoramic exploration of Mongolia’s most iconic symbol: the horse. Measuring 47 x 152 cm, the elongated horizontal format emphasizes the sense of movement, vastness, and the nomadic spirit inherent in the Mongolian landscape.
Composition and Style
The painting deviates from traditional realism, opting instead for a sophisticated abstract-geometric approach. Shagdarjav utilizes sharp, intersecting lines and fragmented planes to construct the forms of the horses.
Geometric Abstraction: The anatomy of the animals is distilled into rhythmic, angular shapes. This technique suggests the power and musculature of the horses without relying on literal depiction, allowing the viewer to perceive the “essence” of the herd.
Linear Dynamism: Strong vertical and diagonal strokes create a sense of frantic energy and collective motion, as if the herd is sweeping across the canvas in a blur of speed.
Space and Depth: While the style is modern, the composition maintains a deep connection to the Landscape tradition. The wide-angle perspective mimics the infinite horizon of the Mongolian steppe, grounding the abstract forms in a specific geographic soul.
Color and Texture
Utilizing the versatility of acrylic on canvas, Shagdarjav employs a palette that balances earthy tones with modern vibrancy.
Tonal Harmony: The color choices often evoke the natural elements of the steppe—dusty ochres, deep browns, and cool grays—interspersed with bold, saturated accents that highlight individual figures within the mass.
Surface Quality: The application of acrylic allows for both thin, translucent washes that suggest atmosphere and thick, textured applications that provide physical weight to the geometric forms.
Thematic Significance
As a graduate of the State Pedagogical Institute and a leading figure in Mongolian contemporary art, Shagdarjav bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. In Horses, the subject is ancient, but the execution is firmly rooted in the 21st century. The painting serves as a metaphor for the resilience and fluidity of Mongolian culture, portraying the horse not just as an animal, but as a kinetic force of nature defined by structure, speed, and spirit.
