Dmitry Sandjiev is one of the most respected artists of Russia and represents
the Republic of Kalmikia, a Buddhist regional community in South-Western
Russia.
His graphic work is closely linked to the history of this region
which was almost entirely destroyed in the 1940's by the Soviet
totalitarianism. Its population was deported to Siberia and the
republic dissolved. Only in the mid 50's were the Kalmyks able
to return to their land and reconnect with their own culture.
Through his poignant drawings, Dmitry Sandjiev was the first
artist to use his creative talent to revive the lost traditions
of Kalmikia and to restore the classic imagery of this area.
His drawings reveal the romantic and spaciousness of the landscapes
that characterize this region, known as the Steppes. Whether they
are realistic or fantasy, each one of these drawings embraces a
spiritual meaning of life, through a dialogue between tradition
and modern era.
The use of pencil as the final medium provides a powerful sense
of movement and depth. Under the spell of Dmitry Sandjiev, the
simple task of drawing becomes a separate art form. The muted grays
of graphite softly dissolve the shapes of the subjects, allowing
them to become one with nature.
Sandjiev was born in 1949 in Siberia, Russia into an artistically
inclined family that encouraged him from a young age to pursue
his creative talents.
In the late 1970's, Sandjiev began experimenting with illustration
and perfected his graphic ability by combining academic traditions
with his own personal visions and dreams. In 1981 he graduated
with honors from the Moscow Academy of Fine Art where he specialized
in graphic work.
In 1982, he exhibited a new series of drawings at the Young Graphic
Artists' Exhibition (Moscow) and received First Prize from the
All-Union and Central Committee. The same set of drawings was shown
at the Second International Triannual Festival of Young Artists
(Nurnberg Germany) and received the Faber Kastel company's Prize.
The whole series was than sold out to The Tretyakov Gallery in
Moscow and the Faber Kastel collections.
Since than, he has been pursuing both the art of drawing as well
as the art of painting. Brightly unpredictable and full of imaginative
elements based on his impressions of past civilizations, his paintings
provide a fresh approach of spirituality and creativity.
