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How Kalmykia, steppe, tulips, horses and nomadic epic of Jangar altogether form contemporary art vision
UPCOMING: SYUGIR — ‘THE STEPPE'S MELODY’
Syugir Buluktaev was born in 1994 in Elista, the capital of Kalmykia, a region in southern Russia known for its vast steppes, nomadic heritage, and Buddhist traditions. From an early age, he was drawn to drawing and sculpture, exploring both figurative and abstract forms. He studied Design at the University of Liberec in the Czech Republic (2011–2016), where he refined his technical skills and developed a keen sense of composition, color, and narrative.
Syugir’s work is deeply intertwined with his Kalmyk roots, reflecting the landscapes, myths, and cultural history of his homeland. His art frequently depicts horses, tulips, and motifs of nomadic life, combining symbolism, abstraction, and figurative representation. Over the years, his works have been collected privately in Russia and exhibited in both solo and group shows, creating a dialogue between local tradition and contemporary artistic practice.
Syugir’s work is deeply intertwined with his Kalmyk roots, reflecting the landscapes, myths, and cultural history of his homeland. His art frequently depicts horses, tulips, and motifs of nomadic life, combining symbolism, abstraction, and figurative representation. Over the years, his works have been collected privately in Russia and exhibited in both solo and group shows, creating a dialogue between local tradition and contemporary artistic practice.
Dictionary of Themes in Syugir’s Art
Kalmykia – The artist’s homeland, a semi-desert region of southern Russia, provides not only a geographical backdrop but also a cultural and spiritual context. Kalmykia’s history, Buddhist heritage, and natural landscapes deeply inform the imagery, color palettes, and symbolism in his work.
The endless plains of Kalmykia evoke a sense of freedom, movement, and openness that pervades Syugir’s compositions.
The steppe is more than scenery; it reflects the rhythm of life, the passage of time, and the nomadic patterns of existence. His depictions often capture both the vast emptiness and subtle life of the landscape, creating a meditative, poetic space within his art.
Tulips recur as both decorative and symbolic motifs.
They are inspired by local flora and often represent vitality, growth, and the beauty of nature. In Syugir’s works, tulips are stylized and sometimes monumental, merging natural form with graphic abstraction, creating rhythm and movement across the canvas.
The imagery of nomadic life, including figures on horseback and patterns of migration, features prominently in his art
These depictions honor Kalmykia’s pastoral heritage and emphasize the harmony between humans, animals, and the natural environment. Nomadic motifs also convey themes of impermanence, journey, and connection to the land.
Syugir draws inspiration from the Epic of Jangar, the heroic oral poetry of the Kalmyk people. Stories of warriors, battles, and supernatural feats are referenced in his work, either literally through figure depiction or symbolically through narrative composition, adding a layer of mythic and cultural depth.
The term magtal refers to emblematic and decorative forms rooted in Kalmyk ritual and folk art.
In Syugir’s work, these motifs are reinterpreted in a contemporary visual language, bridging past and present. They often appear as stylized patterns, borders, or symbolic elements that enrich the visual narrative of his pieces.
Through this “dictionary,” Syugir Buluktayev’s art becomes a bridge between personal expression and collective memory. His works translate the landscapes, myths, and traditions of Kalmykia into a contemporary visual vocabulary, offering viewers an immersive experience of cultural depth, natural beauty, and poetic storytelling.
Through this “dictionary,” Syugir Buluktayev’s art becomes a bridge between personal expression and collective memory. His works translate the landscapes, myths, and traditions of Kalmykia into a contemporary visual vocabulary, offering viewers an immersive experience of cultural depth, natural beauty, and poetic storytelling.
