Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Dragonfly
Step into a poetic world where solitude stimulates transformation and self-realization. Inspired by Ulziitugs Luvsandorj’s evocative poetic flash fiction Marriage with Dragonfly, this multidisciplinary exhibition blends sound, vocal textures, and mystical surroundings to explore identity, spirit, and transformation.
Famous novelist and poet May Sarton once said, “Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self”. In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, many of us struggle to find peace, caught between the ache of loneliness and the clarity that solitude can bring. The digital age, urban living, and constant media influence have reshaped how we connect – with others and with ourselves.
In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, loneliness has emerged as a silent epidemic – especially in large cities where people live in increasingly crowded yet emotionally disconnected environments. While social, financial, and technological pressures all play a role, growing evidence points to urbanization itself as a major catalyst. The impact is not just emotional – it’s physical. Loneliness is linked to a range of serious health conditions, including depression, cognitive decline, alcoholism, and even heart disease.
Among the most affected is Generation Z, the most digitally connected generation in history. Raised on social media, they are constantly exposed to curated realities and endless streams of content. The result? A rise in passive consumption, social comparison, and “doom scrolling” – which often replaces real human connection with digital noise.
Meanwhile, our media landscape – TV, radio, online platforms, and print – relentlessly shape our thoughts, desires, and behaviors. We are constantly told what to buy, how to think, and who to be. These pervasive external influences mold our identities and lifestyles, often without us realizing it.
In response, many are turning inward. Solitude, once mistaken for isolation, is now being embraced as a powerful tool for self-reflection and renewal. It offers a space to question cultural narratives, disconnect from external pressures, and reconnect with our deepest values. In solitude, we find clarity. We refresh our mindset. We begin to see the world – and ourselves – with newfound insight.
Dragonfly is a powerful new audio-visual exhibition that explores this emotional landscape. Inspired by Marriage with Dragonfly, a poem by renowned Mongolian writer Ulziitugs Luvsandorj, the exhibition follows a poetic dialogue between a woman and a dragonfly – a symbol of transformation and self-realization. Through this exchange, the poet journeys from isolation to inner awakening.
Curated and produced by Gantuya Badamgarav and featuring original sound and vocal texture by Berlin-based artist Lih Qun Wong (Lihla), Dragonfly invites audiences to reflect on identity, spirit, and the healing potential of solitude.
Developed by the Mongolia team since August 2024, the project shows universal themes through a multidisciplinary lens – encouraging us to pause, listen, and reconnect with our inner selves.
In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, loneliness has emerged as a silent epidemic – especially in large cities where people live in increasingly crowded yet emotionally disconnected environments. While social, financial, and technological pressures all play a role, growing evidence points to urbanization itself as a major catalyst. The impact is not just emotional – it’s physical. Loneliness is linked to a range of serious health conditions, including depression, cognitive decline, alcoholism, and even heart disease.
Among the most affected is Generation Z, the most digitally connected generation in history. Raised on social media, they are constantly exposed to curated realities and endless streams of content. The result? A rise in passive consumption, social comparison, and “doom scrolling” – which often replaces real human connection with digital noise.
Meanwhile, our media landscape – TV, radio, online platforms, and print – relentlessly shape our thoughts, desires, and behaviors. We are constantly told what to buy, how to think, and who to be. These pervasive external influences mold our identities and lifestyles, often without us realizing it.
In response, many are turning inward. Solitude, once mistaken for isolation, is now being embraced as a powerful tool for self-reflection and renewal. It offers a space to question cultural narratives, disconnect from external pressures, and reconnect with our deepest values. In solitude, we find clarity. We refresh our mindset. We begin to see the world – and ourselves – with newfound insight.
Dragonfly is a powerful new audio-visual exhibition that explores this emotional landscape. Inspired by Marriage with Dragonfly, a poem by renowned Mongolian writer Ulziitugs Luvsandorj, the exhibition follows a poetic dialogue between a woman and a dragonfly – a symbol of transformation and self-realization. Through this exchange, the poet journeys from isolation to inner awakening.
Curated and produced by Gantuya Badamgarav and featuring original sound and vocal texture by Berlin-based artist Lih Qun Wong (Lihla), Dragonfly invites audiences to reflect on identity, spirit, and the healing potential of solitude.
Developed by the Mongolia team since August 2024, the project shows universal themes through a multidisciplinary lens – encouraging us to pause, listen, and reconnect with our inner selves.
Collaborators:
Gantuya Badamgarav
Curator, Founding Director of Mongolian Contemporary Art Support Association
Lihla
Artist