Serpent Reverie

In Serpent Reverie, Realm of the Water Deities, Javkhlan Ariunbold offers a profound visual imagery and experience on Mongolia’s spiritual and ecological heritage. Rooted in centuries-old nomadic traditions, Mongolian culture recognizes nature as sacred—every mountain, river, and landscape inhabited by nature’s guardian deities and spirits. This ancient culture, rich in ritual and respect, stands in stark contrast to the rapid industrialization due to mining and environmental degradation in Mongolia.

Through her evocative imagery, Javkhlan explores this cultural and spiritual rift. Her works have been featured in numerous institutional shows, including Kunstmuseum Bochum, GER (2024); Kunsthalle Düsseldorf, GER (2024); Goethe Institute Paris, FR (2022) and IKOB – Museum of Contemporary Art, Eupen, BL (2021). For this exhibition, Ariunbold’s work brings to life mythical beings such as Lus, the water deity often symbolized by a part woman, part serpent—figures that represent not only protection and fortune but also the consequences of human transgression against the natural world. Blending folklore with contemporary visual language, the artist bridges past and present, urging viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature.

This exhibition invites us to enter a space where reverence for the land still echoes, and where the sacred spirits of Mongolia’s landscapes continue to watch over us—demanding both respect and responsibility. Javkhlan’s work is not only an homage to ancestral beliefs but a timely reflection on the fragile balance between tradition, modernity, and the environment.