For Immediate Release:

Shooting Gallery Presents:

Steppe Warriors

Shooting Gallery is pleased to present Steppe Warriors, a solo show by Zaya, featuring twelve ink and watercolor paintings inspired by the Mongolian horsemen history of Chinggis Khan (more commonly known in the U.S. by the Persian spelling Ghengis Khan.) Through watercolors, gouache, and mixed media, the artist brings a new life to the styles and themes of Mongolian traditional painting with the addition of Japanese techniques and contemporary Asian art influences. The opening reception will be Saturday, December 15, from 7-11pm, and is free and open to the public for viewing through January 5, 2024.

Born in 1975 in a dry, desert town of Southwestern Mongolia artist Zayasaikhan Samuu, known as Zaya, began his life within a place of rich cultural history that much of the world knows little about. The extensive warfare of the Mongol Empire and its incredible expansion under the rule of Chinggis khan inspires a wealth of powerful imagery in Steppe Warriors, but perhaps even more powerful are the scenes of daily life, honoring the Central Asian nomadic lifestyle and a people who have flourished amid harsh climates and religious censure. First converted to Buddhism in the late thirteenth century, the Mongols’ culture is one undeniably shaped by Tibetan spirituality, though Buddhism was outlawed as much of Mongolia’s heritage was repressed during the country’s most strident communist era beginning in the 1930s. The late eighties marked a lessening of oppression in a restructuring movement akin to the Soviet’s perestroika,called shinechel by Mongolians, and with it the customs and values of Zaya’s country began to resurface, inspiring his artistic talents.

Utilizing a detail-driven style, Zaya has said he is set on ‘evangelizing Mongolian art through a contemporary oeuvre that suggests antiquity,’ and he is doing so with remarkable skill. Both warriors and royalty are depicted with the same sleek grace and fluid line work. The volatile movement of the battle and hunting scenes of Steppe Warriors are visually balanced in the exhibition by tranquil portraits, composed with elegant costumes and hairstyles drawn directly from nomadic aristocracy.
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After a two year period as a monk, Zaya enrolled at the Soyol Fine Art College in Ulaanbaatar to study traditional Mongolian fine arts. He continued his artistic studies at the Institute of Fine Art at the Mongolian University of Culture and Art, graduating in 2024 and beginning to work as an artist. In recent years, Zaya has joined the international community of artists, with shows in the USA, Australia, Japan, Europe, China, Russia, India, Korea, and Mongolia.
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The Shooting Gallery opened its doors in 2024 to the edgy Tenderloin district of San Francisco; one known for its diverse culture and history. Owner and curator, Justin Giarla, founded the space to offer a welcoming environment for viewing the art he loves. Giarla has long since recognized the necessity to provide lowbrow artists with a platform, which is exactly what the Shooting Gallery has done for a full decade. In addition to the exhibition of leading shows in pop art, street art, and outsider art, the Shooting Gallery also participates in art fairs around the world and hosts annual fundraisers for local nonprofits.

Media Opportunities:
Interview with Zaya
Interview with owner/founder/curator Justin Giarla
High-resolution images available upon request

Event Information:
Steppe Warriors by Zaya
Opening Reception – Saturday, December 15, 7-11 pm
On View Through January 5, 2024
@ Shooting Gallery (shootinggallerysf.com)
839 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA