Sagarmatha Next Artist in Residence, spring 2024, Nepal
During this residency at Sagarmatha Next, at over 12,000 feet in elevation, in the Khumbu region of Nepal, (the southern flank of Mt. Everest), Leslie Leong explored the transformative potential of waste materials (see full details). Using discarded metals, climbing ropes recovered from high-altitude expeditions, wood, and other salvaged materials, she created artworks that reflect the Himalayan environment and address the impact of human activity on the ecosystem. Pieces like Khumbu Valley Late Snow and Expedition Ama Dablam highlight the tension between preservation and degradation, urging a shift toward a circular economy where waste becomes a resource.
“For two decades, my art practice has involved the transformation of discarded materials into art. This residency affirmed the power of art to drive awareness and change,” she explained. By engaging viewers emotionally, the work complements scientific evidence, fostering a deeper understanding of our environmental responsibility. Through these creations, she aims to inspire reflection and action, demonstrating that even waste holds the potential for beauty, transformation, and societal impact.
The Goose, Academic Journal of Arts, Environment and Culture in Canada, Wilfrid Laurier University: Mining Waste in the Himalayas
UpHere Magazine readable pdf here: UpHere Article
Other projects associated with this experience:
Making art for the Juniper Fund from high-altitude oxygen tanks recovered from Himalayan mountain climbing expeditions in support of Himalayan mountain workers, their families and communities.
Images of the project under development:
Cover art for Swedish composer, Patrik Berg Almkvisth‘s album, “Life Above”, and the individual tracks:
Leslie Leong Arts 