“Go and Find the Light” — Exhibition in Memory of Dmitry Sandzhiev, People’s Artist of Russia

From September 17 to September 25, 2025, the “Art Polytech” Art Cluster at Moscow Polytechnic University hosts the exhibition Go and Find the Light, dedicated to the memory of Dmitry Sandzhiev, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation. The project is organized with the support of the Administration of the Republic of Kalmykia. The exhibition presents more than 50 works by the Hero of Kalmykia — a distinguished painter and graphic artist whose creative legacy marks an important milestone in contemporary Russian art.

A central place is given to the series The Shepherd’s Widow, created by Sandzhiev during his studies at the Graphics Department of the V.I. Surikov Moscow State Academic Art Institute. Awarded a prize at the International Triennial of Drawing in Nuremberg, this cycle became a vivid demonstration of his artistic mastery. Through these works, the artist tells the story of his people and conveys the unique identity of Kalmykia.

“The series The Shepherd’s Widow is a visual narrative about the fate of a Kalmyk woman in the 20th century. The simple yet profound scenes — Yurt, Farewell, Chigen (Kumys), The Shepherd’s Widow, and Departing — follow the heroine’s life journey, from building a home to her final days, leaving behind children and grandchildren,” notes an Art Historian Lyubov Koltsova.

“To see deeper, finer, and with greater sensitivity — this is the gift of a true master, which Dmitry Sandzhiev undoubtedly possessed. In his work, Kalmykia became part of a vast and complex world, wh ere diversity paradoxically enhanced uniqueness when forming a whole,” emphasizes Gerenzala Muchkinova, Acting Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Kalmykia and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kalmykia to the President of the Russian Federation. “Our sorrow is light — eternal life speaks through art, and it is a great joy for us to support the exhibition of an artist with whom we never wish to end the dialogue.”

The opening ceremony takes place on September 17, at 6:00 p.m.

Media entry is available  by prior registration.

Exhibition dates: September 17–25, 2025

Venue: Moscow, Avtozavodskaya Street, 16, Art Cluster “Art Polytech”