The “New Snow-2025” exhibition, traditionally organized by the Mongolian Association of Modern Calligraphers, unveiled on February 15, continuing its longstanding tradition of celebrating the art of Mongolian calligraphy and graphic arts. What makes this exhibition stand out is its remarkable level of professionalism and artistic vision, consistently presenting a high standard of work in calligraphy and font art. The exhibition not only recognizes the best in contemporary Mongolian calligraphy but also maintains a deep respect for its historical and cultural roots. The event was first initiated by great master of calligraphy D.Battumur in 2007, and since then, it has become an annual fixture in the calligraphy world.
This year, the exhibition showcases more than 60 works submitted by 37 artists, with the best 25 artworks carefully selected and presented to the public. The participants’ submissions are particularly unique in that they created their pieces on paper that was meticulously crafted by folding and pasting, following the traditional size of Mongolian paper. The standard size of Mongolian paper, 53 x 76 centimeters, is historically significant, being based on research conducted by the revered calligraphy master T.Jamiyansuren. His study focused on monumental works like the “Shunkhan Bariin Ganjuur” and “Ulziit Khan’s Letter”, further emphasizing the deep historical connection these contemporary artists have with Mongolian calligraphy.
The exhibition is an exploration of the calligraphy skills and the inner worlds of some of Mongolia’s most famous modern calligraphers, reflecting how these artists are continuing to evolve the art form while staying rooted in their cultural heritage.
One of the standout works of the exhibition was created by O.Nyam-Ochir, who was honored for producing the best piece titled “Eternal Sky Energy”. O.Nyam-Ochir, who has been participating in the exhibition since 2010, shared that his artistic journey took a significant turn this year. Whereas he previously worked with oil on canvas, for this piece, he chose to work with ink and paper. This marked a departure from his usual deep, dark tones of black and blue; instead, he embraced a softer, lighter palette that infused the work with emotion and lightness. In describing his piece, O.Nyam-Ochir explained that he had written the phrase, “May the eternal sky energy exist”, and expressed his desire to encourage young people to connect with Mongolian writing culture. Through this work, he hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for the warmth of the national script.
B.Zesmaa, who was named the “Best Young Calligrapher” of the exhibition, has been practicing calligraphy for nine years. In his piece, B.Zesmaa wrote lines from the famous poem “First Snow” by the renowned Mongolian writer D.Natsagdorj, using a bamboo pen. B.Zesmaa’s work is an intriguing fusion of ancient technique and modern artistic expression. She explained that, in looking at the scriptures of Mongolian documents, it appeared to her that the bamboo pen could be one of the oldest tools for writing, connecting her with the historical practices of his ancestors. By choosing this poem, which beautifully depicts love, she aimed to merge the classical style of Mongolian calligraphy with a more contemporary aesthetic. Her choice of poem was particularly fitting, as “First Snow” is a poignant and romantic work, and B.Zesmaa’s incorporation of the oldest writing methods added a layer of emotional depth and reverence to the piece.
To see the incredible skill and creativity of Mongolia’s contemporary calligraphers, visit the Calligraphy Culture Center at the Union of Mongolian Artists’ building before it wraps on February 21.
