Oracle Capital Charitable Foundation was delighted to support the unveiling of Genghis Khan a monumental sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist, Dashi Namdakov. The Genghis Khan is placed next to Cumberland Gate, on London’s Marble Arch, and set against a beautiful backdrop of green parkland and open skies. The spectacular bronze statue rises to almost five metres from hoof to helmet and features the great Mongolian leader descending from heaven on horseback.
Evening Standard is mentioning: “The highly stylised sculpture is as impressive as Khan’s reputation, measuring almost five metres from hoof to helmet. Dashi Namdakov, the Russo-Mongolian artist commissioned to produce the piece, explains, ‘Both European and Asian cultures have celebrated cult heroes on horseback. Genghis Khan was a thinker and a strategist.’
Dashi Namdakov’s triumphant bronze sculpture was specially commissioned for installation in Marble Arch. It depicts Genghis Khan wearing medieval Mongolian armour, with arms outstretched, lost in deep contemplation. The work showcases the artist’s incredible precision and attention to detail through the golden plaques on the livery, scenes of hunting beasts shown on the surface and the special ‘antique’ patina of the plaited hair. The overall result is a powerful image of the ancient hero of the Mongols who has become part of global civilization.
Dashi Namdakov said to BBC: “If I wanted to show him as a warrior I would have shown him as a warrior, but he is a thinker in this case. He is a divine figure in my country”.
Namdakov has long been inspired by the historic Buryat Buddhist culture which is part of his own ancestral heritage. With Genghis Khan, the artist has created an equestrian statue of an epic character which embodies the very essence of nomadism and brings the culture of the ancient Mongols directly to the public.
The installation of Genghis Khan heralds the forthcoming major exhibition of Dashi Namdakov’s works spanning the past 12 years which will take place at Halcyon Gallery, London in May.
