Visual Geseriad in the collection of the National Museum of the Republic of Buryatia: genesis and dynamics of artistic imagery in the 1940s–2020s

Abstract

The article focuses on the analysis of the visual arts collection at the National Museum of the Republic of Buryatia, which consists of over three hundred exhibits dedicated to the national epic Geser. The study aims to trace the development of this collection, highlighting the evolution of artistic interpretations of the Buryat heroic epic ‘Geser’ from the 1940s to the 2020s by artists of different generations. Special attention is given to the epic’s role as the foundation of Buryat cultural identity and a symbol of national self-awareness. The paper also examines contemporary trends in depicting the image of Geser, including the integration of traditional techniques with new digital technologies. The study utilises a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, combining historical and cultural analysis to examine the evolution of artistic interpretations of the ‘Geser’ epic within the context of historical and cultural shifts in Buryatia, with comparative and formal-stylistic methods to identify general trends and individual characteristics in the works of various artists and periods. The article traces the developmental dynamics of the visual Geseriad, highlighting the contributions of different generations of artists to creating the visual imagery of the epic hero and his world. It also sheds light on the creation of artefacts symbolising Geser as an epic hero during the preparations for the epic’s millennium celebration in 1995. The article reviews the contribution of the creative team led by D.-N. Dugarov, Chairman of the All-Buryat Association for the Development of Culture, who produced Geser’s fundamental banner, a set of military equipment, and the thrones of Geser and his khatan (queen). Additionally, the article analyses D. G. Sanzhitsybikov's panels, executed in the technique of relief wood carving based on epic plots. Special emphasis is placed on the modern stage (since 2014), where traditional techniques of embodying Geser’s image are combined with new technologies, such as neural networks and digital art. During this period, the museum's collection was enriched with works based on the ‘Geser’ epic by E. Bolsoboev, D. Kantakova, and A. Ishigenov. The research findings demonstrate that the visual Geseriad collection of the National Museum of the Republic of Buryatia is not just a repository of artworks, but a living reflection of the evolving social perception of the ‘Geser’ epic. From early realistic illustrations to contemporary digital experiments, each stage of the collection's development testifies to the artists' desire to comprehend and convey the eternal values of the epic, adapting them to the modern context. The article also highlights the importance of engaging the younger generation through modern media and artistic forms.