“I Believe My Future is Bright”
An Interview with Mongolian Artist Otgonbadrakh Buuwei
What should we know about Mongolian graffiti, typography and graphic design? Let’s read the interview with graffiti artist and graphic designer Otgo and find out!
How did you end up doing calligraphy, graphic design, graffiti and interior design?
I studied Industrial Design in The Industrial Technology and Design School at The Mongolian University of Science and Technology from 2006. In my first year I founded S’united, which is a street graffiti crew, with others, and in 2008 I did my first graffiti on wall. Since then street graffiti has become part of my life. After BA graduation in 2010, I started working as a freelance interior designer and street graffiti artist. Maybe my interest in graffiti, my first degree and the foundation of art knowledge led me to learn typography, calligraphy and how to use different kinds of graphic design software.
I’ve seen some really good Mongolian films but never had the chance to read about Mongolian calligraphy, graphic design and graffiti. Could you talk a bit about them?
Before discussing Mongolian calligraphy we must know the Mongolian history. We, Mongolians, have our own unique history, customs, culture and traditional Mongolian script called Uighur. Mongolian calligraphy is the technique of handwriting in the traditional Mongolian script — Uighur. It has many delicate drawings.
I’m just wondering, is it legal to paint on walls or different surfaces in Mongolia?
Street graffiti is pretty much new in Mongolia; it has been around only for ten years but has been developing really fast lately. Because it’s new there haven’t been any laws and regulations yet. But we don’t have anything like vandalizing street graffiti. What we do is street graffiti art, of course, with the owners’ permission. Our city council also encourages and supports street art festivals and contests.
Do you travel around the world to paint or are you active in your home country only?
Only in my country so far. I have a dream of travelling around the world and working with international artists. I believe it will come true someday.
How difficult or challenging is it to work as a freelancer in Mongolia?
The Mongolian population is very small so the market is tiny. Working only in one range is impossible. Here most art designers have 2–3 specializations in order to be able to work in many ranges.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I get my inspiration from many things such as nature, environment, Mongolian art and culture, everyday life and artworks of others who have similar interests. All those things that truly inspire me give me motivation as well.
Why are you so interested in typography?
Graffiti is one of the hardest types of typography. Since I’m doing graffiti I’ve started being interested in pencraft.
What is your favourite letter to draw and why?
I would say letter S because the name of our graffiti crew is S’united.
You have created some funny and very angry characters. Why are they so angry? (This might be only my personal perception, of course.)
I really do not know why I usually draw something with angry faces — maybe because of my character.
Could you talk about BMA creative cards project? I’ve checked the website you mention but I do not understand a word.
BMA is abbreviation of Bid Mongol Aguulga (“We are Mongolian content” in English). BMA is an association of Mongolian designers and artists. We work together and create fine arts. For instance, we started a creative playing card project. Artists divided all the playing cards and created their own designed playing cards. If you want to see our arts go to /facebook.com/aguulga/.
Many people just cannot stop fixing something regarding her/his work. Are you able to say, “this is ready”?
I think my work makes me go step up. I finish up my works at once.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently employed by Heineken Mongolia, which means I work on marketing projects every day. Personally, I am working on a project called BLACK & GOLD, which is the combination of typography, street art and characters. I am planning to work into fashion as well with my BLACK & GOLD project.
What are your plans?
I believe my future is bright. I usually don’t plan my future.
Originally published at //hypeandhyper.com/en/hiszem-hogy-fenyes-jovo-elott-allok/.
