Royan: Mongolian calligraphy attracts thousands of Royan residents and holidaymakers

The Espace d'art contemporain in Royan is exhibiting the works of Tamir Samandbaadra and his students from June 28 to August 31. Admission is free.

The calligraphy of Tamir Samandbaadra and his students has already attracted more than 4,800 visitors since the end of June. The Mongolian master is exhibiting his works at the Espace d'art contemporain in Royan all summer long. These include large kakemonos several meters high, suspended from the ceiling and created in Royan during his two visits in February and June.

His philosophical works appeal to the public, who are curiously interested in Mongolian culture. "They reflect the artist's inner self. He even adds a commentary to remind himself of the state he was in when he created his calligraphy," explains Frédéric Lemaigre, curator of the exhibition. In addition to the works on canvas, music specially created by Frédéric Curien and a half-Mongolian yurt immerse visitors in the artist's intimacy. This is particularly true thanks to two virtual reality headsets that broadcast 360° videos of the calligrapher drawing.

Frédéric Lemaigre has taken the gamble of Mongolian calligraphy because he wants to highlight "a lesser-known and more original art than Chinese calligraphy." His second argument is the reintroduction in 2025 of traditional Mongolian writing in schools and official documents. Cyrillic was imposed under the domination of the USSR in the ^20th century. "It's rare for a people to rediscover their traditional writing like this, so it was important for me to share it here in France," the exhibition curator rejoices. "Especially for a large country, but sparsely populated (3.5 million inhabitants) with nearly half the population being nomadic."

Exceptionally, the works are for sale but can be returned after August 31. This sale is explained by the lack of public support from the Mongolian International Calligraphy Center, which is a partner in the exhibition of its director, Tamir Samandbaadra. "The proceeds go exclusively to the artist and the center," explains Frédéric Lemaigre.