The exhibition features works from a new series of the cycle dedicated to the horse — a central symbol in Kalmyk culture. In traditional songs, epics, ritual poetry, and folktales of Kalmykia, the horse held a place of utmost importance. Often depicted as a loyal and devoted companion, it possessed unique abilities beyond those of other creatures. In his works, Syugir continues this tradition, transforming and adapting it through contemporary visual techniques.

The artist portrays the horse as a fairytale hero — its gaze dreamy, its eyes often sparkling with the shimmer of a kaleidoscope. The horses are always in motion, whether in graceful gallop or even mid-flight. Syugir renders their forms in a flattened manner, lending them a sense of lightness. Details of the image are often accentuated with glitter, creating a radiant glow amplified by the artist’s signature use of vibrant, sometimes neon, colors. Syugir crafts his own imaginative worlds — his horses inhabit endless tulip fields that blanket Kalmykia each spring or dwell in fantastical universes filled with wondrous creatures and exotic plants. These visual techniques allow Syugir to preserve the beauty and sublimity of the horse while softening its image, bringing it closer to the viewer through stylistic choices reminiscent of animation and illustration. For Syugir, these colorful, harmony-filled worlds are a way to engage in dialogue with the audience and share emotions: “I want my paintings to bring at least a little joy and kindness to people. I strive to achieve unity, harmony, and prosperity — not just on my canvases but in the world at large.”

In “Light, Shine Bright“, Syugir further develops this central theme of his art, which began with the exhibition “Horse-Tulip” (SISTEMA GALLERY, 2023). As part of the new project, the horses continue their journey through magical realms. This time, the artist places special emphasis on formal experimentation. He plays with color schemes — exploring monochrome and duochrome to achieve a delicate, luminous glow — while complementing his signature glitter with iridescent paints that enhance the sparkle of light. These techniques help Syugir realize one of his primary artistic goals: to project the inner radiance of his works and the emotions they carry onto the viewer. The exhibition will also debut Syugir’s sculptures — his iconic horses with light-reflecting eyes. These pieces mark a new phase in the artist’s practice, expanding his formal and conceptual explorations into three-dimensional space. The horses step off the canvas and into our world to continue their mission: to carry light.

For visitors, immersion in the artist’s world will be a deep and atmospheric experience: the exhibition will incorporate a custom fragrance developed for Syugir Buluktaev’s project in collaboration with niche perfumery studio flame moscow. The warm, vibrant scent harmonizes with the joyful imagery of the artist’s paintings.

Curators: Nina Omarova, Olga Galitskaya

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