Talk on "Women Artists-Travellers in Ladakh, 1900-1947

University of Ladakh Leh enthusiastic Campus-Taru Thang Centre for Languages Press Report Talk on "Women Artists-Travellers in Ladakh, 1900-1947" In a mesmerizing display of art and history, the University of Ladakh's Center for Languages, French, hosted a thought-provoking talk on "Women Artists-Travellers in Ladakh, 1900-1947" on April 23, 2024, at the conference hall in Leh Campus, Taru. The event, graced by esteemed guests, including the distinguished speaker, Ms. Aurélise Bouquet, as well as faculty members and students from various disciplines, showcased a deep dive into the journeys and artworks of pioneering women who explored and depicted Ladakh's beauty and culture. Ms. Aurélise Bouquet, a French traveller and researcher, enthralled the audience with her profound insights into archival images of Ladakh and her extensive research on these remarkable women artists-travellers. Her work, focused on curating short visual essays based on early images of the region, aimed to deepen knowledge and appreciation for Ladakh's rich cultural heritage. She also holds an engineering degree and has most recently worked for the French Ministry of Ecological Transition. The presentation highlighted the extraordinary journeys of artists like Lea Lafugie, a French artist who explored Ladakh in 1926 and left a lasting impact with her vivid depictions of the region. Lafugie's experiences were vividly captured in publications like National Geographic and books such as "Au Tibet" and "Connaissance de l'Asie: Le Tibet, la Terre des Bouddhas Vivants," showcasing her artistic prowess and the allure of Ladakh's landscapes and culture. Another remarkable artist discussed was Mabel Royds, a British artist whose woodcut paintings of Leh Palace, the lion porch, chortens, and prayer flags provided a unique and evocative perspective on Ladakh's cultural and architectural heritage. The presentation also delved into the journeys and artworks of other noteworthy artists such as Lene Schneider-Kainer, Catherine Minna-Jenkins, Helen Mary Boulnois, and Mollie Molesworth, all of whom have contributed significantly to Ladakh's rich history and culture through their art and writings. The audience, comprising students and faculty members from various disciplines, were deeply engaged and inspired by the artworks of these extraordinary women. Dr. Rajinder Kumar, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of TTM, delivered the vote of thanks, and Ms. Tsewang Dolma, Assistant Professor of French, orchestrated, organized, and convened the event. Press Reporter : Ms. Tsewang Dolma Assistant professor French