In the middle of the week, amidst the bustling life of the big city, a special event brought together art and wine enthusiasts for a busy evening. The Lham Art Gallery hosted the debut solo exhibition of artist ZulaTuvshinbat titled "You exist Too Much..." along with the official launch of L’Emissaire by Larteau wine in Mongolia. This intersection of events at the gallery chased away any lingering light melancholy associated with the changing seasons.
As you enter the Lham Gallery, Mongolia's first international contemporary art gallery, located in the Central Park building in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, you are warmly greeted by young hosts with friendly smiles, offering glasses of L’Emissaire wine. Guests are introduced to the delightful taste of this new product, with notes of grapes, raspberries, and a hint of oak. Sipping the wine and stepping into the main hall, one suddenly feels a sense of freedom and a desire to be carefree as a woman. This feeling intensifies upon viewing the erotic-themed artworks by artist Zulagiin Tuvshinbat, who uses tufting techniques to depict the female body and desire through handmade rugs. This expansion of the mind and sense is shared by many guests. Zulagiin, who studies contextual painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, previously graduated in fashion design from the Herbststrasse Fashion School, a background evident in the materials and tones of her works. Each piece, upon closer inspection, dazzles with its variety of shapes, meanings, and colors, delighting both the eye and the mind.
While the artworks, with their intellectually stimulating tones, provided visual pleasure, the fresh wine, with its crisp fruit flavors, delighted the taste buds. As guests sipped their wine and engaged in intriguing conversations about contemporary art, a contemporary dance performance took place on stage. Following this, the talented singer J. Ariunjargal energized the atmosphere with her jazz songs, enhancing not only the appreciation of the exhibited artworks but also the warm interactions among the attendees.
Another highlight of the evening was the L’Emissaire by Larteau brand, which is not just an ordinary imported wine. This exceptional brand is the result of the hard work of a French-Mongolian family and has been specially introduced to the Mongolian market. B. Maral and Pierre-Yves Rigaux own four vineyards in France, and they produce high-quality wines from their harvests for sale. The name L’Emissaire by Larteau translates to "The Emissary of Larteau," paying homage to the centuries-old friendship between the two countries and uniquely crafted for Mongolia. Pierre-Yves Rigaux stated, "We have brought what we do best, with a rich history spanning centuries, to Mongolia." His wife, B. Maral, emphasized on stage, "We present to you a product that embodies history, heritage, and, most importantly, high quality and standards." Listening to them, it truly felt as if they were emissaries bringing the finest from distant France to us.
During the event, guests were introduced to a dry red wine made from the 2015 harvest, consisting of 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's flavor became more pronounced with each sip, invigorating the senses with its rich fruity notes. Just as melodious music perfectly complements beautiful lyrics, the art pieces and the wine harmoniously blended together, providing the guests with a delightful experience. Those who attended the event enjoyed an intriguing evening that seamlessly combined contemporary art and wine culture.
