Aslan Bugaev completed Night in the Mountains in 2012. He painted an evening view of mountainous terrain, with a river band in the foreground to the right and a Vainakh tower to the left. Chechens built such towers in the medieval period for habitation and defense. Some stones bear petroglyphs — emblems of the owner’ family, amulets or other important signs. The tapering towers, which typically had several floors inside, have become a symbol of Chechen history and culture.
In the middle distance, the view is taken up by snow-covered mountain slopes. Above the rocky tops, a bluish sky spreads out with scattered stars. The prevailing shades are emerald, blue and silver-grey.
Aslan Bugaev, a well-known Chechen painter, was born in Grozny in 1987. His artistic style developed from the classical academic school which relies on proper linear perspective, use of light and shadow to create volume, and accurate and proportionate drawing. In 2017 he graduated from the Saint Petersburg Academic Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, where he studied the monumental art at the workshop of A.K.Bystrov. Such kind of painting is characterized by large-scale pictures and painting on the walls of the city buildings.
Bugaev’s main themes are derived from traditions and culture of his home country. He is interested in episodes of the ancient as well as modern history of his people, such as the onslaught of Genghisids or the 1944 ‘Black February’ deportation. Before starting a canvas, he goes to archives to study documents. After that he works with maximum effort on sketches in search of optimal coloration and composition. In his own words, he must make sure that the sketches are right and every step has been worked out. After that, he can ‘paint on canvas with more confidence’. His choice of color is guided by his intention to represent the particular historical period.
Aslan Bugaev’s works have been on display at many exhibitions, including in Moscow and Paris, and can be seen in all central museums of Grozny. The National Museum of the Chechen Republic owns two of them, and one is part of the permanent exhibition.
In the middle distance, the view is taken up by snow-covered mountain slopes. Above the rocky tops, a bluish sky spreads out with scattered stars. The prevailing shades are emerald, blue and silver-grey.
Aslan Bugaev, a well-known Chechen painter, was born in Grozny in 1987. His artistic style developed from the classical academic school which relies on proper linear perspective, use of light and shadow to create volume, and accurate and proportionate drawing. In 2017 he graduated from the Saint Petersburg Academic Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, where he studied the monumental art at the workshop of A.K.Bystrov. Such kind of painting is characterized by large-scale pictures and painting on the walls of the city buildings.
Bugaev’s main themes are derived from traditions and culture of his home country. He is interested in episodes of the ancient as well as modern history of his people, such as the onslaught of Genghisids or the 1944 ‘Black February’ deportation. Before starting a canvas, he goes to archives to study documents. After that he works with maximum effort on sketches in search of optimal coloration and composition. In his own words, he must make sure that the sketches are right and every step has been worked out. After that, he can ‘paint on canvas with more confidence’. His choice of color is guided by his intention to represent the particular historical period.
Aslan Bugaev’s works have been on display at many exhibitions, including in Moscow and Paris, and can be seen in all central museums of Grozny. The National Museum of the Chechen Republic owns two of them, and one is part of the permanent exhibition.
