TWIN CITIES (Feb. 18, 2016) — The exhibit, Ladakh: A Spirit of Place, is on display through May 1, 2016 at The Goldstein Museum of Design, part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Design, Gallery 241, on the second floor of McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.
As part of the exhibit a lecture on “The Economics of Happiness- Learning from Ladakh” will be held 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 22, in University of Minnesota Rapson Hall 100, 89 Church St S.E., Minneapolis.
Australian Helena Norberg-Hodge will join via Skype to speak about her 30 years of research studies in Ladakh. This international speaker will touch on subjects of economy, humanity, and social science. Join us for this enriching and enlightening experience.
The exhibit features the remote region of Ladakh, a truly monastic experience that demands one to reflect. Nestled on the highest plateau of the Himalayas in Northern India, Ladakh represents a rich tapestry of many cultures as they were once a pivotal point of access to the ancient Silk Route.
In the midst of this surreal landscape, alongside the political and militant urgencies of Kashmir, Ladakh has been recently discovered by an increasing influx of tourists. The boom of tourism imported modern modes of building and living which raises concerns of traditions lost. In the summer of 2015 our group met with His Excellency Raja Jigmed W. Namgyal, the ‘King of Ladakh’ to discuss the problems of the loss of tradition in a society that is rapidly becoming modern.
As the region adapts, the increase of the density of buildings, constant construction, debatable beautification drive, rise of internet cafes, and avoidable inner town vehicular traffic threaten to decimate the rich ancient culture of Ladakh. As Nomadic tribes traverse these mountains and valleys today, experiencing a sense of place as transient, Ladakh calls one forth to be present in every moment. This exhibition represents a glimpse of the beauty of their traditions and the evidential problems brought forth by modernization.
The exhibit from photographer Magda Loczi, is curated by Kristine Mun, PhD, lecturer, School of Architecture, and Magda Loczi, creative director, LOCZIlens.
Support for this exhibition provided by School of Architecture, the College of Design, and generous individuals. GMD programming is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Boards Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. w 3
Gallery 241 hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The gallery is closed Mondays and all university holidays. The gallery has free admission. Parking is in Gortner Ramp at 1395 Gortner Avenue and the lot at the top of Lower Buford Circle. Bicycle racks are available by the west entrance to McNeal Hall.
