Edgeworthia Gardneri
4th August - 13th August 2010
10am - 6pm (Mon-Fri)
Praxis Space, LASALLE College of the Arts
Exhibition Opens at 6.30pm on 4th August 2010
Edgeworthia Gardneri is the botanical name for the Argali plant that grows in abundance throughout Sikkim, India. In the Borong Polok Paper-Making Unit(PMU) in South Sikkim, the Argali paper is made from the bark of this plant into a lightweight, chlorine-free paper. This unit, together with the help of the Sikkim Development Foundation(SF), provides a means of economic livelihood for the locals, and its workers comprise mainly of single mothers or divorcees. All purchases of Argali handmade paper will contribute directly to the local economy of the village, supporting more than 50 households.
In collaboration with Singapore Management University (SMU) students who had gone to Sikkim as part of their overseas community development project, LASALLE’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Faculty of Design brought together an exhibition that features 14 artists which comprised of alumni, students and staff. In this exhibition, these artists were asked to create innovative and practical designs made predominantly from the Argali paper brought back from Sikkim.
With designs that ranged from jewelry, handmade books, lamps and other creations, Edgeworthia Gardneri showcased original works from each of these artists, which also included 3 reproductions for sale. 70% of the sale proceeds will go to the Sikkim Development Foundation in aid of the Borong Polok Paper-Making Unit.
Images by Pocholo Mauricio, Derrick Ng, Richard (chaoxangel)