NORPHEI ART GALLERY OPENS WITH EXHIBITION FEATURING CHINGGIS KHAAN
Norphei Art Gallery opened at BlueMon Center in Ulaanbaatar, which is good news for the Mongolian fine arts lovers. The first exhibition of the newest gallery was released by State Honored Artist Ts.Tsegmed. Considered a pioneer of contemporary art in Mongolia, Ts.Tsegmed gives special attention to the integration of nature, the connections between humans and animals, and spirituality. His work provides a harmonious aesthetics in the pursuit of an intimately personal experience for the audience.
Focused on themes of space, natural phenomena, air, the female figure, animals, and symbols, Ts.Tsegmed captures the natural and esoteric with an expressive and immediate style by utilizing various genres of art, from realism to surrealism.
The artist’s exhibition features artworks created since 2010.
In 1992, Ts.Tsegmed received the title of State Honored Artist for his works featuring Chinggis Khaan.
There are three portraits of Chinggis Khaan, which he created in 2014 and 2016. Mongolia celebrated the 855th birth anniversary of Chinggis Khaan on November 19, 2017.
That’s why we focused on Ts.Tsegmed’s artworks related to Chinggis Khaan in the interview below.
Art enthusiasts can see that Chinggis Khaan is the central focus of your works. Why do you create Chinggis Khaan-related artworks?
Chinggis Khaan exists in my heart. In 2014, I was thinking about the great Chinggis Khaan and picked up my brush. I created “Chinggis Khaan – Unity” within a day in 2014. I depicted everything that came to my mind at the time and then I saw my work. I added some details and named it “Chinggis Khaan – Unity”.
I think Chinggis Khaan devoted his life for establishing peace and unity in the world.
Can artists sense when they will get inspired?
We can’t sense it. We always have to be prepared for everything. Prepared means brushes, colors and other fine art facilities have to be under our hands. The theme of the work can be changed in the middle of the painting process. It depends on what comes to mind.
We have to observe our inspiration, dream and mind. Artists create continuously when we get inspired.
How long does the state of inspiration last?
It depends. Imagination is a way of calling upon inspiration. You can only be inspired if your imagination is active in something you like. For example, if you are creating a piece with Chinggis Khaan as the subject matter, your imagination naturally provides the colors and medium to be used.
Sometimes you can experience artistic blocks where you simply aren’t inspired.
What’s art in your opinion?
To me, art is a means for capturing and purveying the voices and messages of the spirits.
Is there a need to study at formal institutes and universities if inspiration helps you create?
We have to learn the skills and techniques from formal educational institutes. That’s why fine art schools exist.
After learning the techniques, you have to listen to yourself and your voice, then create art.