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Almost 50 striking oil paintings by three young Lao artists reflecting aspects of Lao life opened for exhibition on Tuesday night at M Gallery on Samsenthai Road in Vientiane.

Numerous art lovers, both young and old, flocked to the opening of the Social Fabrics exhibition, which will run until February 26.

The show incorporates works by Mr Sivilay Souvannasing, a third year student at the National School of Fine Arts, Mr Lattana Milavong, a freelance painter who has had his works exhibited in France, and Mr Ounla Santi, a recent graduate from the National School of Fine Arts and now an employee at the Ministry of Information and Culture’s Fine Art Department.

Owner of the M Gallery, Mr Michael Chan, said “We selected these three artists with the objective of promoting their unique works at the national and international level.”

“They are able to express their interests on canvas in unique ways, especially Sivilay who, through his distinctive cubic style, expresses his life experiences and depicts local festivals, temple activities and Lao landscapes.”

“Lattana’s works use mixed media, like rice sacks and bright colours, to depict ethnic groups and their colourful costumes.  His wonderful work has been exhibited in France.”

The M Gallery opened in October last year to exhibit works by Lao artists and students at the National School of Fine Arts through the Mekong Art and Culture Project.  It officially opened in December with three resident artists: Mongkham Bualavanh, Marisa Darasavanh and Mick Sailom.

“We are committed to working closely with art collectors and enthusiasts, corporate institutions, and other organisations to develop and promote Lao art,” said Mr Chan.

M Gallery plans to organise an exhibition by Lao artists at its Singapore branch in March, with works by Mongkham, Mick, Marisa, Dong, Hongsa, Sivilay and Lattana all to feature at the show.

“I think the event will be the biggest exhibition of Lao art in Singapore.  In June last year, M Gallery was proud to organise the first contemporary Lao art exhibition in Singapore, entitled Glimpse of Laos,” Mr Chan said.