"I became your khan,

let's take bows and shields,

let 'tamga' [emblem] be our fortune,
let  the 'grey wolf' be our hymn;

let the forest be pierced with iron spears;

let the kulans roam in sacred places,

let seas and rivers flow;

be our flag, sun, and the sky our roof - so he said.”

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These lines are from the genealogical Turkic poem-myth "Oguz-name."

Legend of the Creation of Altai. One day, God decided to create a Golden Land on Earth - a dwelling of peace and happiness. He called upon the Deer, the Falcon, and the Cedar, instructing each to seek the best place for themselves. Where their paths crossed, there the Golden Land would be. The Deer roamed the land for a long time. The Falcon soared high into the sky. The Cedar delved deep into the earth with its roots. And finally, they met in a mountainous land where all three found solace and freedom. It was there that the Golden Land emerged, known as Altai.

The works of Arzhan Yuteev are about the most important things. About the soul. About roots. About intergenerational connection. About the beauty of emotions. About ancient legends.

The theme of self-identification in modern realities is very acute. Only by understanding the depth and beauty of the history of one’s people can we understand the world we will pass on to our children.

The mystical legends of the Altai region serve as an endless source of inspiration for many. But in Arzhan’s canvases, ancient plots and images take on new meanings, without losing their essence and depth.

The she-wolf mother protects her offspring. Storytellers recount the feats of mighty heroes, secret knowledge encrypted in runes, and the immortal beauty of Altai women.

The artist walks the secret trope of the wolf, from the world of ancient spirits to a new aesthetic. Under the protection of the Great Sky, Arzhan’s unique world thrives, full of secrets, beauty, hidden meanings, ancient legends, and beautiful hopes.

To health, peace, and beauty for all,

Dr. Leyla Mahat