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“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 Biennale, Asia’s highest-altitude contemporary land art Biennale, held at 3,600m in Disko Valley, Leh. sā—meaning soil in Ladakhi—explores the intersection of ecologies, culture, and community through regenerative and site-specific artistic interventions.

Founded with deep care for landscapes, people, and ecology, sā is rooted in regenerative art—a practice built on sustainability, connection, and continuous learning. At its core is a belief in 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.”

sā aims to inspire multi-generational, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary dialogue through the following principles:

• Deep-Time Thinking – considering long-term ecological and cultural impact

• Life-Cycle Awareness – using sustainable and repurposed materials

• Mindfully Interdisciplinary – blending art, science, ecology, and culture

• Climate Optimism – focusing on solutions and meaningful progress

• Next-Generation Focus – engaging youth as future custodians

• Diversity and Inclusion – uplifting multiple voices and perspectives

• Community Engagement – building local, reciprocal relationships

• Transboundary Exchanges – fostering global solidarity and shared learning

The initative is supported by the Ladakh Media and Arts Organisation, the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), Royal Enfield, the Austrian Cultural Forum, ProHelvetia, the Embassies of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, The Netherlands, Local Futures, and other partners. The exhibition is open to the public.Find more information about the initiative at: www.saladakh.com or at www.instagram.com/saladakh/