∞

“Our history has always been intertwined with the history of our landscapes. Over the last 50 million years the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates created this still-forming superstructure - the highest yet youngest mountain range on the planet. Building with visible layers from Ladakh’s soil prompts us to reflect on deep time, our landscapes, our origins, local identity, our (in)significance, and what we leave behind in the eons to come." Raki Nikahetiya - supported by DMG, New Delhi.

Raki Nikahetiya is the co-founder of sā Ladakh. sā meaning soil in Ladakhi language, is Asia’s highest ever contemporary land art group exhibition at 3600m, focusing on the theme of mountains, environment, culture and community. The first edition will take place at the Disko Valley in Leh, Ladakh from the 1-23 August 2023.

How do we engage with mountain landscapes, their elements, culture and communities?

What is a local identity and how does it evolve?

What are the environmental and climate challenges in high altitude regions and what significance do mountainous regions have for the planet in the 21st century?

How can we reflect on these topics through land art and installations?

What can we create with materials which are discarded, renewable or sustainable?

How can we engage the next generation in this creative process?

sā was founded with the passion and love for landscapes, environment and communities and with a focus on engaging people from all walks of life – particularly young adults and the next generation, the future custodians of the land. sā's values have been centred on the principles of climate optimism: "Climate optimism isn’t about denying what we can see with our own eyes or ignoring our grief for what we’ve lost. It’s understanding that we know how to prevent things from getting worse and that we’re making progress." As such we aim to inspire cross-cultural, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary dialogue and exchange, appreciation and care for the natural world through “Regenerative Art”.

The initiative sees 'Regenerative Art as:

• Created out of recycled, renewable, biodegradable, reusable material that doesn't leave a negative impact on the physical environment.

• Art that is regenerative and can be repurposed or re-utilised by the community members and is even better if sourced from local spaces.

• Art that can engage people and sensitise them to climatic solutions at local and global levels.

• Art that also obeys diversity and inclusion. Welcoming everyone and anyone, signifying a symbiotic relationship with lives and conveying a story.The initiative brings together contemporary Ladakhi, Indian and International artists as well as a collective of national and International organizations focusing on the topics of community, culture and environment to explore these questions through art installations, dialogues and artist and expert led workshops to children and adults. The Exhibition is supported by the Ladakh Media and Arts Organisation, Snapchat, Black Sheep Media House, The European Union National Institutes for Culture, Royal Enfield, the Austrian Cultural Forum, the Embassies of Germany and Switzerland to India and Local Futures amongst other partners, the exhibition will be open for public.

Find more information about the initiative at: www.saladakh.com or at www.instagram.com/saladakh/