Local environmental artists Mark and Rebecca Ford exchanged the rolling hills of Sussex for the vast, untamed horizons of the Mongolian steppes in late February for a bold new land art expedition. The project, titled Javar is the Mongolian concept of frost as a metaphor for resilience, hibernation, and inner renewal. The duo travelled by car through treacherous conditions 600km from the busy capital Ulaanbataar to the remote region of Khusgvol Lake Mongolia to create site-specific works that bridged the cultural and ecological narratives of home with those of one of the world's last great nomadic wildernesses.
Art at -30°C: Bridging Sussex and the "Blue Pearl"
Hosted by OIRArt Hub with 10 international artists they explored the frozen lake in extreme temperatures of -30C. Using only natural materials found on-site to create temporary installations they responded to the extreme environment known as the "Blue Pearl" that is surrounded by the snow-capped Sayan Mountains and taiga forests, a rugged landscape which holds the country’s largest freshwater lake and second-deepest, containing nearly 70% of Mongolia's freshwater.
The “JAVAR” International Winter Art Residency 2026 is the first winter residency of its kind in Mongolia. The program took place from February 25 to March 7, bringing together Mongolian and international artists to create new works within one of the country’s most pristine winter landscapes. fostering artistic research, reflection, and cross-cultural exchange in extreme landscapes.
Public Programs and Cultural Exchange
Following the residency, a series of public programs and educational activities were organized in Ulaanbaatar to extend the residency’s impact and foster dialogue around contemporary art and environmental practices.
February 25 – March 1, 2026: Artists resided and created works in Khatgal – Lake Khuvsgul.
March 3 - Mark and Rebecca conducted a collaborative visual arts workshop for elementary school students at Elite International School in Ulaanbaatar.
March 4, 2026: A public lecture on Land Art and environmental artistic practice was presented by Mark Antony Haden Ford, Rebecca Ford, at the Mongolian National University of Arts, Film and Culture, attended by approximately 60–70 students and art enthusiasts.
Additionally,appeared on the Mongolian television ‘This Morning’ program Өнөө Өглөө on Mongol TV on March 5, 2026, sharing insights and experiences from the residency.
A video documentary capturing the process and outcomes of the “JAVAR” Winter Art Residency will be released in April 2026 on the official OIR Art Hub YouTube channel.
The “JAVAR” International Winter Art Residency 2026 was supported by Mongolian Handicrafts LLC. And curated by Ulziibat Enkhtur for OIR Art Hub.
More info: oirarthub.org
Ice Cube Cross 2026, made from fine gravel and snow 6m diameter
Mark Antony Haden Ford and Rebecca Ford at the Lake at -30C
Oir Art Hub Artists
Frozen Ripples
Rebecca Ford with Snow and fine gravel on concrete slab
