Written by: Prof. Dr. Udo B. Barkmann
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
National University of Mongolia, 2011
At the commencement of Chadraabal's transformative exhibition "The Bull & Bulls," the artist unveiled a personal revelation that added depth to his artistic pivot towards the bull motif. Drawing inspiration from the iconic "Charging Bull" sculpture in New York City's Financial District, Chadraabal saw more than just a bronze figure; he saw a symbol of undying optimism and prosperity. This emblematic beacon, which has stood as a testament to resilience in the face of Wall Street's highs and lows, resonated with Chadraabal's own artistic journey and vision. For him, the bull, in all its wild majesty, became not only a subject of art but a symbol of hope and forward momentum, echoing the same sentiments the Wall Street Bull has inspired for countless onlookers. This muse, stemming from Manhattan's bustling streets, intricately entwines with the themes and narratives of Chadraabal's 2011 Ulaanbaatar exhibition, enriching its narrative tapestry.
In the artistic journey, there comes a time for contemplation and rejuvenation, a moment often termed as a "blue period" when an artist temporarily sets aside previous works to explore new vistas. Such a phase is not a sign of stagnation but a harbinger of growth and fresh insight. Chadraabal's 2011 solo exhibition in Ulaanbaatar, "The Bull & Bulls," epitomized this evolution, marking a significant turn in his artistic exploration.
Chadraabal's early works were dominated by vibrant oil paintings of horses rendered in a unique cubist technique. These illustrations were not only striking for their use of bright psychedelic colors but also for their diversity of forms. The way he transformed the familiar horse into a myriad of shapes and forms demonstrated his capacity to view the ordinary through an extraordinary lens.
The next phase of Chadraabal's development took a calligraphic turn, where he restricted himself to black and white. His paintings, once filled with lively horses, evolved to express the untamable and wild power of nature. This led him to the theme of the bull, a stark contrast to the horse's tamed power and friendship with the Mongolian people. The bull, wild and untamable, symbolizes a different aspect of nature's force.
Chadraabal's transition to the theme of bulls was not only significant but also profound. The paintings, primarily in shades of black, brown, and dark grey, were striking in their representation of the wild power of nature. Viewing these pieces evokes a feeling of distance, even a sense of threat, but also a deep connection to masculinity, power, and strength.
One of the exhibition's highlights, a painting depicting a herd of bulls moving from east to west titled "Mother, I am mounting/heading to war; 2011," is reminiscent of the swirling power of Chingis Khan's great cavalry. The ferocious readiness to charge symbolized in the piercing horns and reared legs serves as a timeless expression of past, present, and future.
Alongside the new animal theme, Chadraabal returned to the world of calligraphy but with a twist: sculpture. Moving from the flat canvas to a three-dimensional form allowed him to express ferocity and power without limitations. His sculptures of bulls, especially the large one named "King of all bulls," with elements of cubism, are unforgettable, capturing the essence of a charging bull, unstoppable in its path.
Chadraabal's journey reflects an educated and continual search for new ideas, techniques, and artistic expressions. His transformation from the lively cubist horses to the tranquil, meticulous eyes of his bull creations mirrors his inner connection with his subjects. His evolution as an artist, culminating in the great peace and serenity found in "The Bull & Bulls," is not merely confined to canvas and sculpture but resonates within his very being.
In conclusion, Chadraabal's 2011 exhibition in Ulaanbaatar offers more than a collection of artistic works; it represents a unique and transformative journey that connects the artist, his subjects, and his audience in a dialogue that transcends conventional artistic boundaries. It stands as a testament to the creative potential of art to reflect, challenge, and redefine our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.