Lawrence Lek has created 'Nepenthe Valley', a virtual world and NFT project focused on healing. Photo: Horizons (So Far x Aora)
Lawrence Lek has created 'Nepenthe Valley', a virtual world and NFT project focused on healing. Photo: Horizons (So Far x Aora)
Lawrence Lek has created 'Nepenthe Valley', a virtual world and NFT project focused on healing. Photo: Horizons (So Far x Aora)
Lawrence Lek has created 'Nepenthe Valley', a virtual world and NFT project focused on healing. Photo: Horizons (So Far x Aora)

'Nepenthe Valley': how artist Lawrence Lek built a virtual world of healing at Art Dubai


Alexandra Chaves
  • English
  • Arabic

"Welcome to Nepenthe Valley. You came here to forget. Don’t you remember?"

These are opening lines of a poem for Nepenthe Valley, a virtual world and NFT project created by the artist Lawrence Lek.

Scattered across the valley’s misty and mountainous landscape are various structures, including a lodge and a treehouse, that possess classical elements such as columns and arches, as well as futuristic neon lines that run across the facades.

It is a liminal world, both familiar and strange. The scenes themselves are tranquil, evoking the rugged mountains of the Alpine region, though architectural ruins hint at a cyber, post-human world.

The first of three chapters of this virtual world has recently been launched at Art Dubai, which takes place until Sunday.

On view at the fair’s inaugural digital art section, Nepenthe Valley is presented by Horizons, a collaboration between media collective So-Far from Singapore and virtual gallery Aora.

Glimpses of the valley, including video animations on screens, prints and 3D-printed architecture models, can be seen at the Horizons booth in the halls of Jumeirah Mina A'Salam. Each looping video is accompanied by a unique soundscape that adds to the valley’s serene settings.

A multimedia artist who works with architecture, gaming, CGI, sound and fiction, Lek is known for building worlds and universes (which he has called “Sinofuturist”) that touch on ideas of the future, technology and politics.

'The Shrine' in 'Nepenthe Valley' by Lawrence Lek. Photo: Horizons (So-Far x Aora)
'The Shrine' in 'Nepenthe Valley' by Lawrence Lek. Photo: Horizons (So-Far x Aora)

While there are speculations and worries around the psychological effects of the metaverse, Lek’s project considers the possibilities of virtual reality as a remedy or at least a space for respite.

“I’ve been interested in the link between media art and psychological states for a long time,” he says, tracing it back to his 2017 narrative CGI film Geomancer. The film follows a satellite AI who comes to Earth in hopes of becoming an artist.

“In the film, the main AI character has a built-in self-help programme called Guanyin, named after the Buddhist goddess of compassion. So, like there have been a lot of mindfulness apps for phones in recent years, I imagined how a future AI would also require a similar sort of built-in healing programme to help them make sense of the world,” Lek says.

“With Nepenthe Valley, it’s taking a similar idea but reflecting current conditions of the world, but making these ideas embedded in the virtual landscape rather than a textual narrative.”

His plan for the project is detailed and expansive. After its launch at Art Dubai, Nepenthe Valley will continue to exist online and will run until Singapore Art Week in January 2023.

One of the architectural models of 'Nepenthe Valley' on view at Art Dubai. Photo: Horizons (So-Far x Aora)
One of the architectural models of 'Nepenthe Valley' on view at Art Dubai. Photo: Horizons (So-Far x Aora)

The first chapter of the project, The Source, reveals the first four locations in the valley, which include The Spring, The Lodge, The Shrine and The Treehouse.

The other resting locations — there are a total of nine — will unfold in the second chapter named The Journey.

Finally, the project culminates with The Point, where the entire landscape of Nepenthe Valley can be seen and explored.

So far, a total of eight NFTs, each with 111 versions, have been minted on the Solana blockchain and are available on the So-Far NFT marketplace.

In The Spring is a temple-like building that sits on top of a cascading waterfall and houses a reflecting pool and a fire altar.

Meanwhile, The Treehouse shows a structure built around a tree. Stairs lead up to the top of the tree’s branches, and it is easy to imagine virtual visitors circling it as a form of meditation.

'The Treehouse' in 'Nepenthe Valley' by Lawrence Lek. Photo: Horizons (So-Far x Aora)
'The Treehouse' in 'Nepenthe Valley' by Lawrence Lek. Photo: Horizons (So-Far x Aora)

Lek points to two main references for the work. The first is sublime landscape paintings by artists such as Caspar David Friedrich. In particular, Lek explains that he sought to discover how the German Romantic painter “would embed ideas about life and death within trees and mountains, sunsets and architecture.”

The second resource is fantasy video games. “I wanted to create places that were timeless, drawn from fantasy video games like The Legend of Zelda or Skyrim,” he says, imagining places that would evoke an “alternate world, but also mysterious and eternal.”

As the project continues, the ultimate shape for Nepenthe Valley will exist as an open-world video game where players can walk through and explore the environment with game controllers.

“For this first iteration, I wanted to evoke a sense of healing and regeneration, so I focused on creating virtual architecture and images of the landscape and music that could enable that,” he says.

Born in Germany and of Malaysian-Chinese descent, Lek studied architecture at the University of Cambridge. In addition to producing films and digital works, he is a doctoral candidate in machine learning in London.

As an artist who has exhibited worldwide and whose works have been collected by prestigious institutions, Lek sees the crypto art world as an opportunity for artists to receive support more directly from patrons. “It’s not only crypto,” he says, “but other forms of patronage such as Patreon or subscribers.”

“From an economic or social point of view, artists are basically freelance self-employed producers who are extremely vulnerable to changing economic conditions. Very rarely is there any real kind of safety net, especially for artists who predominantly use digital tools or make time-based or performance-based work,” he says. The challenge for creatives, he says, is to learn new tools and to manage the promotion of their works in the nascent digital marketplace.

The Horizons booth at Art Dubai presenting 'Nepenthe Valley', an NFT project by Lawrence Lek. Photo: Horizons (So-Far x Aora)
The Horizons booth at Art Dubai presenting 'Nepenthe Valley', an NFT project by Lawrence Lek. Photo: Horizons (So-Far x Aora)

One of the highlights of Art Dubai’s digital art section, Nepenthe Valley exemplifies a type of digital art that is conceptually astute and produced with sharp creative vision and execution.

The wave of digital art and NFTs has already washed over us. The metaverse is already here. At the same, the "real world" rages on with wars, a pandemic and climate change. Through Lek’s cinematic universes, we can explore the implications and complexities of all these and perhaps imagine new ways of rest and healing.

‘Nepenthe Valley’ is on view at the Horizons booth at Art Dubai until March 13. It can be viewed online on the So-Far website

Scroll through the gallery on the bottom to see more of Art Dubai.

  • Art Dubai has returned to Madinat Jumeirah this year, with its most extensive list of participating galleries to date. The fair opens to the public on March 11 and runs until March 13. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Art Dubai has returned to Madinat Jumeirah this year, with its most extensive list of participating galleries to date. The fair opens to the public on March 11 and runs until March 13. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Photographer Dia Mrad at the Zawyeh Gallery booth where his works are on view.
    Photographer Dia Mrad at the Zawyeh Gallery booth where his works are on view.
  • The Postmasters booth at Art Dubai's inaugural digital art section.
    The Postmasters booth at Art Dubai's inaugural digital art section.
  • Aicon Gallery's booth features a solo presentation of works by Indian modernist KS Kulkarni.
    Aicon Gallery's booth features a solo presentation of works by Indian modernist KS Kulkarni.
  • Volte Art Projects’ booth includes works by Nalini Malani, Wim Delvoye, Anish Kapoor, Sujata Bajaj, Studio Drift and more.
    Volte Art Projects’ booth includes works by Nalini Malani, Wim Delvoye, Anish Kapoor, Sujata Bajaj, Studio Drift and more.
  • Green Art Gallery's booth at Art Dubai includes works by Maryam Hosseini.
    Green Art Gallery's booth at Art Dubai includes works by Maryam Hosseini.
  • Tonia Nneji’s paintings at Rele Gallery.
    Tonia Nneji’s paintings at Rele Gallery.
  • Murat Palta's miniature paintings at the X-ist Istanbul booth at Art Dubai.
    Murat Palta's miniature paintings at the X-ist Istanbul booth at Art Dubai.
  • Canvas Gallery is showcasing vivid works by miniaturist Wardha Shabbir.
    Canvas Gallery is showcasing vivid works by miniaturist Wardha Shabbir.
  • Commissioned work by James Clar at the Julius Baer lounge at Art Dubai.
    Commissioned work by James Clar at the Julius Baer lounge at Art Dubai.
  • Agial Art Gallery is presenting works made from 1930-1975 by the late Lebanese artist Bibi Zogbe
    Agial Art Gallery is presenting works made from 1930-1975 by the late Lebanese artist Bibi Zogbe
  • This year's Art Dubai includes more than 100 contemporary, modern and digital galleries from 40 countries.
    This year's Art Dubai includes more than 100 contemporary, modern and digital galleries from 40 countries.
  • Works by Mit Jai Inn at the Silverlens booth.
    Works by Mit Jai Inn at the Silverlens booth.
  • Art Dubai is presenting its inaugural digital art section, with 17 galleries specialising in the medium, as well as NFTs.
    Art Dubai is presenting its inaugural digital art section, with 17 galleries specialising in the medium, as well as NFTs.
  • Works by Radhika Khimji at the Experimenter Kolkata booth.
    Works by Radhika Khimji at the Experimenter Kolkata booth.
  • Art Dubai features commissioned presentations that can be found throughout Madinat Jumeirah.
    Art Dubai features commissioned presentations that can be found throughout Madinat Jumeirah.
  • More than half of the galleries are made up of names from the Global South, as the fair furthers its aim of becoming the go-to for art outside of the typical western circuit.
    More than half of the galleries are made up of names from the Global South, as the fair furthers its aim of becoming the go-to for art outside of the typical western circuit.
  • Among the highlights of this year's fair is the modern section curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath, who opted for muted gray walls instead of the usual bright white.
    Among the highlights of this year's fair is the modern section curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath, who opted for muted gray walls instead of the usual bright white.
  • Art Dubai Digital will be the fair's first digital art section.
    Art Dubai Digital will be the fair's first digital art section.
  • Three galleries from Tehran will bring together artists that have shown with them in the past.
    Three galleries from Tehran will bring together artists that have shown with them in the past.
  • A visitor during a preview of Art Dubai 2022.
    A visitor during a preview of Art Dubai 2022.
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Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

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Three trading apps to try

Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:

  • For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
  • If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
  • Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

What sanctions would be reimposed?

Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:

  • An arms embargo
  • A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
  • A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
  • A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
  • Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Winners

Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)

Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)

Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)

Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)

Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)

Central%20Bank's%20push%20for%20a%20robust%20financial%20infrastructure
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3ECBDC%20real-value%20pilot%20held%20with%20three%20partner%20institutions%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPreparing%20buy%20now%2C%20pay%20later%20regulations%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPreparing%20for%20the%202023%20launch%20of%20the%20domestic%20card%20initiative%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPhase%20one%20of%20the%20Financial%20Infrastructure%20Transformation%20(FiT)%20completed%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

Trump v Khan

2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US

2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks

2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit

2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”

2022:  Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency

July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”

Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.

Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Rating: 2.5/5

ETFs explained

Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.

ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.

There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.

'Lost in Space'

Creators: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Irwin Allen

Stars: Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins

Rating: 4/5

Brief scores

Barcelona 2

Pique 36', Alena 87'

Villarreal 0

The Kites

Romain Gary

Penguin Modern Classics

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Updated: March 12, 2022, 9:10 AM