Reuben Keehan, a curator and writer based in Brisbane, Australia visited Nomadic Red Corner International Artist Residency on 31 May 2023. As a Curator of Contemporary Asian Art at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, he played important role in the development of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT) since its 7th edition in 2012. Reuben visited Mongolia for the first time in 2014 to explore Mongolian contemporary art scene, looking for the potential participants to involve in APT. Artists Baatarzorig Batjargal, Uuriintuya Dagvasambuu, Nomin Bold and Gerelkhuu Ganbold were the first participants selected from Mongolia to take part of 8th edition of APT. The works of these artists are mainly characterized by mongol zurag style, which was developed in the early 20th century. Although technically similar to Tibetan thangka, Mongol Zurag paintings distinguish by featuring scenes from everyday life, compared to Buddhist fine art. And lately contemporary mongol zurag artists have successfully invented old techniques and the theme to the new level. In 2018, APT invited Enkhbold Togmidshiirev, who is a distinguished performance artist from Mongolia. At the opening of the 9th edition of APT, Enkhbold showcased his lengthy performance art and also displayed his monochromic large abstract works, created using materials found in nomadic environment, at the international art exhibition. Reuben Keehan’s current visit is also related to ATP, exploring artists to present at the next edition to be open in November of 2024.
Mongolian artists, including previous participants of APT meeting Reuben Keehan