BE OPEN, a humanitarian initiative founded by Elena Baturina, is excited to announce the winners of the first stage of the BE OPEN Regional Art Competition in South Asia, which covered Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. The competition, which received a large number of entries from talented artists across the region, was judged by a panel of experts who were impressed by the creativity, skill, and passion displayed in the artworks.
- Malinda Jayasinghe, a visual artist from Sri Lanka, was voted the Artist of the Month in January for his thought-provoking works that explore themes of religious, racial, and gender privilege, as well as complicity in structural oppression.
- Khando Wangmo, a talented artist from Bhutan, was given the title in February for her captivating paintings inspired by her brother’s artwork.
- Tandin Chophel, a self-taught artist from Bhutan, was the regional artist of March, recognized for his emotive and expressive works that capture the relationship between human emotions and the natural world.
The winner of the competition for South Asia, Tandin Chophel, will receive a €500 grant, while Pema Yangdon, a mixed media artist from Bhutan, will receive another prize as the founder’s choice.
- Tandin Chophel’s artwork is characterized by its emotional depth and sensitivity, showcasing his ability to capture the fleeting beauty of nature and time.
- Pema Yangdon’s artwork, on the other hand, is marked by its fluidity and experimentation with different mediums and styles, allowing each piece to unfold according to her inspiration and flow.
- Pema Yangdon was born in 1997 and has a lifelong passion for art, seeing it as an essential part of her life.
- Tandin Chophel was born in 1999 and began his artistic journey in 2018, driven by a love for capturing the fleeting beauty of nature and time.
The winner’s selection process was based on a combination of factors, including the quality of the artwork, the artist’s background and experience, and the overall impact of the piece on the viewer.
| Artist | Country | Prize |
| Tandin Chophel | Bhutan | €500 grant |
| Pema Yangdon | Bhutan | Founder’s choice prize |
“I am thrilled to see the incredible talent and creativity that this competition has brought to the table,” said Elena Baturina, founder of BE OPEN. “These artists are not only incredibly gifted, but they are also passionate about using their art to make a positive impact on their communities and the world at large.”
Tandin Chophel’s artwork can be viewed on the BE OPEN website, and Pema Yangdon’s artwork is also available for viewing. Both artists will have the opportunity to showcase their work at various exhibitions and events throughout the year. Artist Spotlight
- Tandin Chophel’s artwork is characterized by its emotional depth and sensitivity, showcasing his ability to capture the fleeting beauty of nature and time.
- Pema Yangdon’s artwork, on the other hand, is marked by its fluidity and experimentation with different mediums and styles, allowing each piece to unfold according to her inspiration and flow.
Highlights
- Tandin Chophel will receive a €500 grant to support his artistic endeavors.
- Pema Yangdon will receive a prize as the founder’s choice, recognizing her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
- Artist
- Tandin Chophel
- Pema Yangdon
- Country
- Bhutan
- Bhutan
- Prize
- €500 grant
- Founder’s choice prize
The winners of the BE OPEN Regional Art Competition in South Asia are a testament to the incredible talent and creativity that exists in the region. We look forward to seeing their artwork and learning more about their artistic journeys.
BE OPEN is committed to providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with a global audience.