Visual Description and Theme
Dynamic Expressionist Style
The artwork is executed in a vivid Figurative Expressionist style, using oil on canvas to apply broad, energetic strokes and non-naturalistic color. The figures and horses are stylized and exaggerated to convey the sense of speed and emotional intensity characteristic of the festival.
The Race and Rhythmic Color
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The Riders and Horses: Two riders on horseback dominate the composition, captured mid-gallop. They are rendered in striking, high-contrast colors, emphasizing their ceremonial attire. The lead figure wears vibrant red and orange robes with a dramatic, plumed hat. The figure behind wears contrasting blue and pink garments. The horses are muscular and powerful, defined by blocks of deep blue, purple, and red, reinforcing the movement.
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Background and Movement: The upper background is an expansive field of deep indigo and midnight blue, suggesting the vast steppe sky. The ground below is painted with aggressive, horizontal strokes of yellow, green, and red, which visually emphasize the speed and dust kicked up by the rushing horses.
Theme
“NAADAM” is a celebration of Mongolian national identity and tradition. It captures the thrill of the horse race, which is central to the festival, and honors the enduring connection between the Mongolian people, the horse, and the traditions passed down through generations, all through a modern, exhilarating aesthetic.