Mongolia: Unexplored Territory

There I was able to see how the herders live in a space between the age – old rhythms of nature and the fragments of modernity – with satellite dishes and parked cars outside their traditional tents. In the areas further from the city, they organise sporting events like in ancient times, where the horse is the central focus. Mongolian horses are small but very sturdy, and able to withstand long journeys and extreme climates. The traditional horse racing goes back into the mists of time, probably as far back as Genghis Khan himself.

Ulan Bator is a capital city destined to become very modern, thanks to major investments; a city animated by turbulent development (changing from a small town to a metropolis in just twenty years), which is now curbed by the judicious management of the public administration, following principles introduced by international consultants.

The Mongolians that I have met in person have all proved to be excellent business people. They are warm, interested, sporting in the true sense, ready to take risks and to fully assume their responsibilities.

I believe that this collection of works by artists of all ages can help us to understand a country that aspires to modernity, while preserving the vigorous roots of its past. Mongolian art tells us of the enchantment of nature. The infinite horizons and deep spirituality of Mongolia attract the attention of the Western world.

Luciano Benetton