We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art stands and recognise the creative contribution First Australians make to the art and culture of this country.
Nomin Bold / Mongolia b.1982 / Labyrinth game 2012 / Synthetic polymer paint and gold leaf on canvas / 160 x 103cm / Purchased 2015 with funds from Ashby Utting through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Nomin Bold
NOMIN BOLDLabyrinth game 2012
Not Currently on Display
In Labyrinth game, Nomin Bold depicts the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, as a literal maze, rendered flat on the canvas as if viewed from above. The painting combines Buddhist imagery with the chaotic grid of city streets. Major thoroughfares are choked with traffic, while the streets between are a maze of double-backs and dead ends. A deity is pictured at the centre of the maze, while many dramatic, romantic and comedic scenarios appear in bold colours against the golden background.
Nomin Bold is a practitioner of contemporary Mongol zurag painting, who lives and works in Ulaanbaatar, where she graduated from the University of Arts and Culture’s Institute of Fine Art in 2005. Nomin’s paintings draw on aspects of contemporary Mongolian life, as well as moments from the country’s history. Her works balance traditional imagery with an exploration of the social and environmental problems the country faces, particularly in the capital city, where half of Mongolia’s population now lives.
Nomin Bold draws on techniques and materials of Tibetan Buddhist tangka painting to address the contradictions of contemporary life, as well as moments from Mongolian history. Large spiritual figures that feature in the centre of her paintings contrast with the human and animal figures in the maze of the modern city. The artist uses collaged pages from Mongolian scriptures and gold leaf in her work.
Discussion Questions
1. Nomin Bold’s painting is like a maze. The ‘paths’ that might lead you to the image of the deity in the centre are filled with obstacles. Can you find an easy path to the centre?
2. How has Nomin Bold portrayed the meeting of contemporary life and history? Justify your response by referring to the composition, the choice and use of materials, and the techniques, images and colours.
Activities
1. Design a maze that reflects your own life. In the centre, draw an image of yourself doing something calm and reflective. Draw small pictures in your maze of ‘obstacles’ that cause ‘detours’ in your daily life.
2. Create an artwork that represents your local town or suburb. Arrange the composition to resemble a labyrinth or aerial view map, placing in the centre what you think is the focal point for the local community. Include references to the history of the area.