Sa Ladakh, South Asia’s highest contemporary land art group exhibition, is set to take place in Ladakh from August 1 to 23. Located at an altitude of 3600m, the exhibition will delve into the themes of climate, culture, and community in high-altitude environments.
The exhibition will feature artworks by local Ladakhi artists, as well as Indian and international artists including Nikolaus Geyrhalter, Phillip Frank, Sharbendu De, Jigmet Angmo, Vibha Galhotra, Skarma Sonam Tashi, Tsering Gurmet Kungyam, Sagardeep Singh, and Tsering Motup.
Dr. Monisha Ahmed, co-founder of Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO) and co-curator of Sa Ladakh, emphasizes the significance of including local artists, noting that it highlights the growing recognition of contemporary art from the region on a global scale. The festival will also incorporate projection and video art during the evenings, with artists like Philipp Frank exploring the connections between spirituality and the natural world through his renowned projections in nature.
The exhibition will be situated against the breathtaking backdrop of Disko Valley near Leh. This land strip, already used by local youth for self-expression and celebration, features a downhill mountain bike path and awe-inspiring views. Within the heart of Disko Valley, visitors can immerse themselves in captivating site-specific art installations, cutting-edge video projections, and sculptures.
Raki Nikahetiya, co-founder of Sa Ladakh, emphasizes the focus on a 20-acre expanse of land, where the exhibition aims to foster an inclusive dialogue on climate-related issues under the theme of “climate optimism.” Through the medium of land art, Sa Ladakh seeks to engage and inspire communities amidst the delicate yet breathtaking Himalayan landscape.
Supported by LAMO, Snapchat, Plus.tv, Let Me Breathe, the Australian Cultural Forum, and the embassies of Germany and Switzerland in India, among other partners, the exhibition will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can expect a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience. The final list of participating artists and programming will be announced in early July 2023.
Sa Ladakh presents a unique opportunity to appreciate the convergence of art, nature, and environmental consciousness. Against the backdrop of Ladakh’s majestic landscapes, the exhibition invites visitors to contemplate the relationship between humans and their surroundings, ultimately inspiring a deeper appreciation for our fragile planet.
Feature Image Courtesy: The Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO)
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