By D.CHANTSALMAA
The contemporary art scene in Ulaanbaatar City gained a vibrant new addition on September 19, with the opening of the “Glass Candy” exhibition at Red Ger Gallery. The show brings together the collaborative works of two emerging Mongolian artists, E.Togtuun and A.Nomin-Erdene, who have come together to present a fresh creative dialogue in the field of contemporary visual art.
The title “Glass Candy” itself suggests a playful paradox—something both fragile and alluring, transparent yet full of sweetness—an apt metaphor for the artists’ approach to material, form, and concept. Both E.Togtuun and A.Nomin-Erdene are known for their ability to merge traditional influences with contemporary sensibilities, and in this exhibition they invite audiences into a realm that balances delicacy with intensity, experimentation with precision.
For the artists, and perhaps for many who experience their work, childhood holds a unique clarity: “For me, when we are children, everything seems genuine and heartfelt, but as we grow up, we change and transform. From the works displayed in this exhibition, one can see not only the feelings and colors of my childhood and adolescence but also the challenges we face today and concerns about the future.” This reflection resonates through the exhibition, giving the works a deeply personal as well as universally relatable dimension.
Through this collaborative project, the artists explore themes of perception, vulnerability, and the shifting nature of beauty. Their works are not only a reflection of individual artistic voices but also of the dynamic interplay that occurs when two creative visions intersect. This intersection generates a unique aesthetic language—an encounter between colors, textures, and forms that invites viewers to reconsider familiar ideas in unfamiliar ways.
The opening of the exhibition was marked by warm interest from art enthusiasts, collectors, and critics, many of whom praised the artists’ innovative approach and their courage in venturing beyond conventional frameworks on September 19. According to the Red Ger Gallery’s curatorial team, “Glass Candy” is a testament to the spirit of experimentation that characterizes Mongolia’s younger generation of artists, who are increasingly carving out a distinctive place for themselves both locally and internationally.
Visitors will encounter a diverse range of works that span painting, mixed media, and installation art. Each piece highlights the artists’ fascination with transformation—whether in material, emotion, or meaning—and together they form a cohesive yet multifaceted narrative. From vividly colored abstractions that evoke fleeting emotions to minimalist compositions that speak to fragility and silence, the exhibition offers a rich journey into the possibilities of contemporary Mongolian art.
For many, the exhibition also underscores the importance of collaborative creation. By working together, the artists not only push the boundaries of their own practices but also encourage audiences to reflect on the value of dialogue, cooperation, and shared imagination in art.
The “Glass Candy” exhibition will remain open to the public at Red Ger Gallery until October 8, offering ample opportunity for visitors to engage with this fresh artistic vision. Art lovers are encouraged to experience the show firsthand and witness how two distinctive creative energies intertwine to produce works that are at once delicate, bold, and thought-provoking.
