Mongol Zurag: The Art of Resistance

This pioneering exhibition introduces the Mongol Zurag (“Mongolian picture”) tradition through historical and contemporary paintings by four prominent artists. Originating during the Cold War era, the tradition emerged amidst debates surrounding national identity and the preservation of cultural heritage, spurred by the socialist government’s eradication of Buddhist culture in favour of Socialist Realism. Moving beyond discourses on national borders, the Mongol Zurag artists of today respond to the pressing global issues, from the global pandemic to political failures around the world and environmental crises. The artists in this exhibition continue the legacy of creativity as a means of resistance against various manifestations of power, whether it is the imposed Socialist Realism of the Cold War era that was made mainstream in Mongolia, or the pervasive influence of destructive neoliberalism in modern times.

Curator: Prof. Uranchimeg Tsultem, Herron School of Art+Design, Indiana University (U.S.A.) in collaboration with the Mongol Zurag Society (Mongolia)

Artists: Nyam-Osoryn Tsultem (1924-2001), Baasanjav Choijiljav, Baatarzorig Batjargal, Urjinkhand Onon

Project Team: B. Nyamkhuu (Chairman, Mongol Zurag Society), O. Angaragsuren (Assistant Curator, Mongol Zurag Society), M. Otgontuul (Assistant Curator, Mongol Zurag Society), Lisa Cooreman (Fehnel Fellow, Herron School of Art+Design)