Far East Painting - Burmese modern Art

Burmese contemporary Art - The History

Burma (Myanmar), a Southeast Asian country, has been isolated from the rest of the world since 1988, due to its non-democratic troops dictatorship. Similar to its political and economic isolation, contemporary Art in this region also does not have much western influence. Developing on its own terms, art in Burma reflects a fine balance in the middle of modernity and the country's rich cultural heritage. The motifs and art theme in paintings are often connected to the deep-rooted Marxist and Buddhist beliefs in the country. The difficult socio-political situation in the country also has a considerable influence on its contemporary Art.

Myanmar

Contemporary Art is not much experimental in Burma, with oil, poster color, crayons, and watercolor as the most beloved mediums for paintings. A characteristic highlight of art schooling in Burma is the ideas of apprenticeship, where-in students learn from their masters in workshops. The development in contemporary Art is puny to the two major cities of Rangoon (Yangon) and Mandalay. The State School of Fine Arts opened in Yangon and Mandalay, in 1952. They are the first formal art schools of the country. The National Museum of Myanmar, established in 1952, was first platform for aspiring artists to display the nation's art.

The Artworks & Artists

Artists U Ba Nyan and U Ngwe Gaing were the first ones to introduce Western Painting style in Burmese Art. U Lun Gywe (Yangon, 1930) is thought about the greatest living scholar of Burmese Paintings. His style of painting is close to Impressionism, with his beloved field being the attractiveness of women. 'Dancer I & Ii' (2006), 'Bathing Beauties' (2007), 'Bathing Nymphs' (2007), and 'Nude series' (2005) are among his celebrated artworks. Aung Kyaw Htet's (Myaungmya, 1965) work mirrors basic values and rituals that encompass Buddhism and his rural upbringing. Unlike most Burmese artists, his paintings depict the faces of monks and nuns in detail, with a extra series of monks in red robes. 'Four Monks in White' (2006), 'Portrait of a Monk in Red' (2008), 'Robing at Dawn I & Ii' (2009), 'Innocence & Faith' (2009), and 'A Walk in the Sun' (2009) are among his innumerable artworks.

Some other ace Burmese contemporary artists are Maung Di, Khin One, Khin Maung Yln, Kyi Twe, Nyunt Myat, San Myint, Paw Oo Thet, Win Pe (Mandalay), Po Po (born 1957), Mote Thone, Soe Naing, San Min, Min Wae, Wah Nu (born 1977), Mpp Ye Myint, San Naing, Paw Thame, Nyein Chan Su, The Maw Naing, Aung Myint, Aung Ko, Moe Satt, Mrat Lunn Htwann, and Nyan Lin Htet.

Conclusion

Despite the absence of affluent collectors, the close-knit contemporary artists group in Myanmar exhibits its works in the underground galleries of Yangon and Mandalay with colossal zeal. Insulated from the western world, the unique 'eastern-ness' of their art expression has shown attractiveness in the group realities of its conservative society. Myanmar's economy has seen colossal growth, since it became a member of Asean in 1997. With this awakening, Myanmar Modernism, in its traditional pictorial connotations, also gained recognition in international art circles. Art critics over the world reconsider Myanmar contemporary Art, with its dedication to most common daily situation, enlightening and fresh, compared to the sophisticated Western Art forms.

Far East Painting - Burmese modern Art

Thanks To : todays world news headlines