How Long Can We Afford To Be?

As winter arrives, the harsh realities of survival become undeniable. The air is clouded with smog, and basic necessities grow unaffordable. Amid this struggle, we are swept into a cycle of consumption—seeking temporary pleasures in alcohol, material goods, and waste as distractions from our daily hardships. Artist E. Lkhagvadorj’s work shines a light on the stark inequalities in Mongolia’s society, where economic hardship persists despite the country’s vast livestock resources. Reimagining discarded
materials as a “supermarket” for survival, Lkhagvadorj challenges our perceptions of waste and value. Through his art, he exposes the human stories behind addiction and poverty, calling attention to the systemic neglect of the most vulnerable and urging a reevaluation of societal priorities.
“Can We Still Afford to Be Mongolian?” asks a difficult, yet essential question. This exhibition explores the tension between tradition and modernity, wealth and poverty, survival and excess. It serves as a meditation on the sacrifices made in the name of progress and a call to reflect on what truly matters as we face an uncertain future.