#Switzerland #Lugano #BE OPEN Art #Malinda Jayasinghe #Tandin Chophel

BE OPEN Art Celebrates Artistic Excellence in South Asia

BE OPEN Art, an esteemed online gallery initiated by humanitarian Elena Baturina, has recently concluded its inaugural Regional Art Competition celebrating talented artists from South Asia. This competitive event focuses on artists hailing from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. After an intense selection process, the announcements have been made for the winners of the first stage in 2025.

January Winner: Malinda Jayasinghe

In January, visual artist Malinda Jayasinghe from Gampaha, Sri Lanka, received the title of January’s Artist of the Month. His artwork reflects profound themes of religious, racial, and gender privilege while addressing the complexities of structural oppression. Utilizing diverse mediums including drawing, painting, and sculpture, Malinda experiments with unconventional materials such as wood, concrete, and glass. A self-taught artist, he started his artistic journey in 2019, inspired by a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance. His practice evolved significantly after studying Art History at the Theertha International Artists Collective.

February Winner: Khando Wangmo

Khando Wangmo, a talented artist from Mongar, Bhutan, was recognized in February. Born in 1996, her passion for art was ignited by her brother’s mesmerizing paintings. This early inspiration led her to join VAST, a prominent NGO in Bhutan, dedicated to nurturing local artists. Khando’s commitment to her craft is evident in her body of work created since joining the NGO in 2020.

March Winner: Tandin Chophel

March saw Tandin Chophel, another self-taught artist from Thimphu, Bhutan, earn the title of Artist of the Month. With a keen interest in exploring human emotions through art, he began his journey in 2018 and has since engaged with various mediums such as oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Tandin’s fascination with nature and its transient beauty drives his creative process, allowing him an opportunity to reflect the harmony between human emotions and the natural world.

The Regional Artist of South Asia

The pinnacle of recognition went to Tandin Chophel, whose impressive talent earned him the title of Artist of the Region for South Asia, along with a prize of €500. Additionally, Pema Yangdon, a mixed media artist also from Thimphu, was selected as the founder’s choice for the region. Born in 1997, Pema has always expressed a deep connection to art, viewing it as an integral part of her life. Her creative approach is characterized by an experimental fluidity across various mediums and styles, each piece unfolding organically from her inspiration.

Conclusion

BE OPEN Art’s competition not only celebrates individual talent but also aims to foster a greater appreciation for the arts in South Asia. It provides a platform for artists to shine and be recognized for their unique perspectives and expressions, encouraging cultural dialogue and artistic growth within the region. The achievements of these artists underscore the importance of supporting the arts, paving the way for continued cultural enrichment across South Asia.