Prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing world of calligraphy as O.Nyam-Ochir unveils his stunning solo exhibition, “Egchim” at the National Art Gallery of Mongolia. This remarkable showcase is not just an artistic presentation - it is the bold expression of a new chapter in Mongolian contemporary art, where ancient traditions meet fearless innovation. Since 2008, O.Nyam-Ochir has been dedicated to mastering Mongolian calligraphy, and now, with his works featured in prominent exhibitions around the globe—from Germany’s “NordArt International Exhibition” to the “Beijing Biennale”—he stands as one of the nation’s most recognized young artists.
“Egchim” marks his fifth solo exhibition, offering a collection of around 20 unique contemporary calligraphy pieces and installation artworks that deviate significantly from the themes of his previous shows. The exhibition presents a distinct and innovative narrative with an original approach to presentation and content, exploring the intricate relationship between traditional Mongolian calligraphy and modern artistic expression.
The exhibition is named “Egchim” after the traditional stamp used to mark the beginning of a new chapter in ancient manuscripts. Symbolically, this title reflects the start of a new phase in O.Nyam-Ochir’s artistic journey. In this body of work, he boldly steps beyond the conventional boundaries of calligraphy, deliberately moving away from the typical black ink that is commonly used in this medium. Instead, he has chosen to explore the emotional intensity and symbolic power of vivid vermillion red. Through this daring artistic decision, he captures the depth of human emotion and inner experience, conveying them through energetic motions and sharp, precise techniques that remain true to the fundamental principles of traditional calligraphy.
The exhibition will run until October 1. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the harmonious balance between ink and canvas, experiencing how the artist intertwines the timeless traditions of Mongolia’s nomadic heritage - its long songs, poetic verses, and sacred scripts - contemporary art. “Egchim” offers a profound window into the artist’s inner world, bridging the past and present, tradition and innovation, in ways that touch both the mind and heart.
When we asked him to highlight a particular artwork from the exhibition, he pointed to a piece titled “Dominion” which prominently features installation art. He explained, “In the past, my work was primarily focused on traditional, two-dimensional art—flat and conventional. However, as I sought to contribute to the development of contemporary art in Mongolia, I began to explore installation art as a new medium.”
One of his standout pieces using this technique is “Dominion” in which O.Nyam-Ochir weaves together elements of Mongolian cultural heritage and modern artistic expression. “For this piece, I sought to reflect the essence of the traditional Mongolian dwelling, the ‘ger’, through the circular felt structure, which symbolizes the unity and identity of Mongolia’s nomadic tribes. The felt is stamped with the symbols of various Mongolian tribes, representing the diversity and strength of our heritage”, said the artist.
The installation further incorporates cubes, which, as he explains, represent the grandeur and permanence of Mongolia’s mountains. The cubes are adorned with black ink, but what makes them unique is that each one features variations in tone—some darker, some lighter—despite the uniformity of the black color.
Furthermore, when asked about the inspiration behind unveiling this particular exhibition, O.Nyam-Ochir shared, “This exhibition was prepared as part of my journey towards the upcoming NordArt International Exhibition. It’s a stepping stone, a way to present my evolving artistic direction as I continue to explore new dimensions in my work.”
In line with the government’s proclamation of 2024 as the “Year of National Script and Culture”, O.Nyam-Ochir’s exhibition also features a special lecture and masterclass on the importance of writing one’s name correctly in the traditional Mongolian script and its integration into digital platforms. These events will take place on September 30, providing an opportunity for attendees to deepen their understanding of Mongolian script through live demonstrations of calligraphy and expert-led discussions.
