April 2015 Leading Persons in ASEAN: Lao PDR

Leading Persons in ASEAN: Lao PDR

• Founded in 2006, ARMI is a leading development association in Laos implementing its projects in 5 provinces of Laos.
• To assist Communities in identifying their problems and planning and self-managing activities to solve these problems through the operation of Village Interest Groups (VIGs) and other Community Organizations.

Association for Rural Mobilization and Improvement ARMI leads in:

Community Organizing

ARMI is focused on Community Organizing (CO), a long-term process that builds on the knowledge, experience and capacities that communities possess, and helps to create the confidence and capacities for communities to take the development of their village in their own hands, plan & manage for a better future. Village development plans are set up and linked with the funds/resources for the implementation of the plans.

Equal Rights

Men and women have equal rights in accessing the resources and essential services required to satisfy basic needs. They also have equal rights in making decisions regarding the equitable distribution of those resources and services to the whole community.

Lao artists represented include Khamsouk Keomingmuang, May Chandavong, Kongphat Luangrath,  Marisa Darasavath, Mick Saylom, Sivilay Souvannasing, Somphet Chanthala and video artist  Souliya Phoumivong.

• M Gallery is a specialist in contemporary art from the Mekong Region. The gallery showcases one of the widest selection of works by Lao artists as well as works from Thailand and Vietnam.
• M Gallery is located both in Singapore and in Vientiane, Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic (PDR).
• M Gallery also works with some of the brightest young  artists from the Mekong region like Montree Moungkun,  Songwoot Kaewvisit, artist/sculptor Prasit  Wichaya and  Nguyen The Dzung.
• M Gallery seeks to contribute to the study and understanding of South East Asian Art through its consistent representation of artists from the Mekong Region.
• M Gallery regularly holds exhibitions, supports artists’ residency programmes, actively engages with public and private organisations and individuals and is also open to collaborative works/presentations in the name of Art.

I am interested in the female figure and in portraying the lifestyle of women I observe. I capture women in moments of everyday life, for example, cooking, bathing or fishing, or in the relationship they have with their loved ones. I think a woman’s curves are very beautiful and that’s why I apply Lao textile patterns, to emphasize and blend the organic forms into figurative representations.

Education and Expositions

• National Institute of Fine Arts. Vientiane, Lao PDR

• 2013: Singapore Biennale 'Voices – A Contemporary Art Exhibition by 6 Laotian Artists'

• 2011: M Gallery, Singapore

• 2009: ‘LIVE AND LET LIVE: Creators of Tomorrow’, Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale, Japan

• Her paintings are collected by the Singapore Art, Museum, Fukuoka Asian Art, Museum and in private collections.

Source: http://www.lao-npa-network.org/armi.html

http://artasiapacific.com/Magazine/Almanac2012/Laos

http://mgallery.com.sg/about-us

http://artasiapacific.com/Blog/SpotlightLaosAtSingaporeBiennale2013