Zayasaikhan Sambuu
Mongolia, 1975
Artist's works
Artist Profile
The King
Introduction and Experience
Zayasaikhan Sambuu (b. 1975, Mongolia) is a prominent figure in contemporary Mongolian art, renowned for integrating the nomadic heritage of Central Asia into a modern visual language. Sambuu received his early training in traditional Mongolian painting in Ulaanbaatar, a practice rooted in Buddhist iconography, steppe culture, and nomadic aesthetics. Shaped by years of travel and cross-cultural experience, he has developed a distinctive approach that bridges tradition and contemporaneity.
His work moves fluidly between figuration and abstraction, drawing on influences ranging from Japanese art to contemporary visual culture. Through this synthesis, he explores themes of identity, belief, power, and the inherent tensions of modern society. Having exhibited extensively worldwide, Sambuu currently lives and works in Ulaanbaatar, where he continues to reinterpret Mongolia's spiritual and cultural ethos through a contemporary lens.
Exhibitions and Awards
Selected Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions
2025
Mothers of Invasion —NordArt Germany, Büdelsdorf, Germany
2024
The Art of Zaya —Consulate General of Mongolia, San Francisco, USA
Random —Khan Gallery, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
2023
Mothers of Invention —532 Gallery Thomas Jaeckel, New York, USA
Melody of the Steppe —Embassy of Mongolia, Washington D.C., USA
2022
The Wind Players —Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
2021
The Return of Forebears —Khan Gallery, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The Toy Nation —Studio Zaya, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
2020
Hidden Identity —National Art Gallery, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
2019
Lost Kiss —Bronshteyn Gallery, Irkutsk, Russia
2018
Time Machine —Qart Gallery, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
2016
Return into Fantasy —Marshal Art Gallery, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
2014
The Legends of the Steppe —Fukasaku Gallery, Tokyo, Japan
2013
Steppe Reflection —Gallery Kitanozako, Kobe, Japan
Steppe Reflection —Gallery Camel K, Matsuyama, Japan
2012
Steppe Warriors —Shooting Art Gallery White Wall, San Francisco, USA
2009
Nomad Man —Niihama Art Gallery, Niihama, Japan
2008
Nomad Man —Gallery Camel K, Matsuyama, Japan
Group Exhibitions
2024
Colors of the Sky —Sky Gallery Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan
2016
Salmagundi Art Club—New York, USA
December Group Show —Gallery Nichido, Tokyo, Japan
Lone Wolf Exhibition (Joint Exhibition with Horiyoshi III)—Gallery Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan
Spring Group Show —Galerie Nichido, Tokyo, Japan
Art Preview—Bellavita Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan
2015
Two World Art Show —Galerie Nichido, Tokyo, Japan
Art Preview—Bellavita Art Center, Taipei, Taiwan
2014
14 n Face of Mountain Fuji San Group Show —Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, Shizuoka, Japan
International Artist Show —Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan
2013 - 2014
Transnational Art Show —Enokojima Art, Culture and Creative Center, Osaka, Japan
2011
Vision of the Future Group Show —Yokohama, Wakayama, & Takamatsu, Japan
Transnational Art Show —Osaka Contemporary Art Center, Osaka, Japan
2008
Group Art Show—Brisbane, Australia
2001 – 2002
Spring Art Group Show—Gallery Union of Mongolian Artists, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
2001
Three Mans Art Exhibition —German Embassy, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
2000
Mongol Zurag —Gallery Union of Mongolian Artists, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Art Fairs
2023
Frieze Art Fair—532 Gallery Thomas Jaeckel, New York, USA
2016 – 2017
ArtExpo New York (Solo Booth)—New York, USA
2015 – 2016
Art Revolution Taipei (A.R.T.)—Taipei, Taiwan
2014
Salon Art Shopping—Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France
The Legends of the Steppe Exhibition—Univision TV Art Gallery, Mongolia
Hong Kong Art Fair—Gallery Aminas, Hong Kong
2012
ArtExpo New York—New York, USA