The project, Cross cube was created during the Javar festival, the Mongolian concept of frost as a
metaphor for resilience, hibernation and inner renewal. We travelled by car through treacherous
conditions 600km from the busy capital Ulaanbataar to the remote region of Khusgvol Lake, one of the
world’s great nomadic wildernesses. Hosted by the arts organisation OIRArt Hub who invited 10
international artists to explore the frozen lake in extreme temperatures of -30C. Using only natural
materials found on-site to create temporary installations. The “JAVAR” International Winter Art
Residency 2026 is the first 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.