A 3600m high group art exhibit in Ladakh celebrates contemporary land art

Asia’s highest-ever contemporary land art group exhibition at 3600m was launched on August 1 in Leh, Ladakh. Titled sā, the exhibition focuses on the intersection of climate, culture, and community in high-altitude environments. The initiative was opened by Michael Pal, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum and was founded by Ladakhi mountaineer Tenzing Jammy Jamyang, Austrian Sri Lankan artiste Raki Nikahetiya, and Indian designer Sagardeep Singh.

Curated by artistes, the exhibition will feature installations by esteemed artistes from both international and Ladakhi origins; namely, Vibha Galhotra, Nikolaus Geyrhalter/Robert Schabus, Małgorzata Stankiewicz, Sharbendu De, Jigmet Angmo, Skarma Sonam Tashi, Tsering Gurmet Kungyam, Anurima Dazess Wangchuk, Birender Yadav, Anshu Singh, Anayat Ali, Tsering Motup, Stenzing Tankong, and Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam. "The inclusion of local artists is a testament to the growing recognition of contemporary art from the region on a global scale," as highlighted by Dr Monisha Ahmed, co-founder of Ladakh Media and Arts Organisation LAMO and sā co-curator. The festival will also include projection and video art at night.

The exhibition is set against the backdrop of Disko Valley near Leh and will offer an immersive experience through captivating site-specific art installations using only discarded, renewable or reusable materials, artist film screenings, augmented reality artwork by artistes, cutting-edge video projections and sculptures.

"Our primary focus will be on a 20-acre expanse of land, where we will delve into our interpretation of 'climate optimism.' Through the remarkable medium of land art, our aim is to foster an inclusive dialogue on climate-related issues, engaging and inspiring communities amidst the breathtaking yet delicate Himalayan landscape," said Raki Nikahetiya, co-founder of sā Ladakh