Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation presented six paintings to the Children’s ward at the Ladakh Heart Foundation, Agling on 9th July 2014. The objective was to help transform and humanize the children’s ward. At the same time, LAMO intended to instill and expand awareness to the students on health and environmental issues as well as develop the praxis and artistic skill of participating students. The workshop was made possible through the support of Carina H Chatlani.

The students were presented with gifts and certificate as a token of appreciation and encouragement for their work by LHF. The paintings were produced during a workshop organised by LAMO in November last year with eighteen students from various schools of Leh.

The two week long workshop began with painting first on sheets of paper and later six students were chosen to paint on canvas. In addition to the student’s work, Isaac Gergan, LAMO’s Art Officer created two paintings for the reception area of the hospital. Venerable Chosgyal LHF shared immense pleasure in receiving the paintings and commended the children for their talent and hard work as well as LAMO for organizing the workshop.

Meanwhile LAMO at the same time also organized first of its kind painting exhibition by Ladakhi contemporary artists. Among these Mountains, an exhibition of paintings by nine contemporary artists from Ladakh was opened on 9th July at Ladakh arts and Media Organisation (LAMO) that was inaugurated by Rigzin Spalbar, CEC, LAHDC Leh who was the chief guest on the occasion.

In June, LAMO organized an art camp for Ladakhi artists Tundup Dorjey Churpon, Tashi Namgail, Chemat Dorjey, Shujat Ali, Tsering Motup, Rigzin Paljor, Kunzes Zangmo, Skalzang Otsal and Isaac Gergan. Some of these artists are studying art in various art colleges of India, others have completed their first degrees. The camp was an extension of a similar one organized by LAMO in June 2013 under the exhibition “Mapping Old Town”, and students worked under the theme of the exhibition. This year they explored the idea “What it means to be a contemporary Ladakhi artist.”

The exhibition consists of 24 paintings made on canvas using oil and acrylic colors and three prints.

A first of its kind exhibition, Isaac Gergan, LAMO’s Arts Officer said that the camp and exhibition are significant building blocks for contemporary art in Ladakh. “The artists are striving for options in sustaining and amplifying art’s role in the daily life of Ladakh. LAMO, together with the artists is committed to take such endeavors further,” said Isaac, hopeful of support and encouragement from the local community as well as the government. On a similar note, Chemet Dorjey, one of the artists pursuing his MFA from Banaras Hindu University, feels that with changing times in Ladakh, modern art should also be encouraged.

Addressing the artists, CEC Rigzen Spalbar said that Ladakh does not lack talent but opportunities and platform, particularly in context of creative arts. He congratulated LAMO for creating such a platform, which will prove to be an important stepping-stone in each of the artist’s careers.

The exhibition is on till July 31st from 11am to 5pm.The works on display are for sale. Part of the proceeds of the sale will go towards setting up a Ladakh Art Fund to support art practices and artists in Ladakh.