BURMESE FEMININITY

The art world of Burma is no longer far from us. The exhibition “Beauties of Myanmar”, serves as a stepping stone for aspiring Burmese artists to exhibit in Macau for the first time ever, bringing a collection of contemporary paintings that explore the dignity of women in Myanmar.

 

Hosted by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) at the Taipa Houses-Museum, the exhibition aims to look for new and progressive art forms that can connect Macau to the global art landscape. 

 

“Burmese art is now very much in vogue and we specialise in their arts as well. That’s why Myanmar is obviously our choice,” explains Sidney Cowell, the curator of the exhibition and the director of Fine Art Asia Gallery (HK).

 

According to Sidney, the role of females in Myanmar is unique and can be considered as a role model for other cultures. For instance, when a woman gets married, she keeps her maiden name.  Most Burmese women have a strong character, Sidney observes.

 

“They study hard and take full responsibility for their families after marriage. In short, Burmese women have a special status in society, which is generally not enjoyed by most women in Asia,” the curator says.

 

The three Burmese artists Aung Thi Ha, Khine Minn Soe and Saw Kyaw Zaw reveal a boldness, passion and sensitivity in their works that herald the beginning of a new phase of artistic experimentation. They all paint beautiful women, using different forms and styles.

 

Both Aung and Khine aim to explore and capture the dignity, grace and elegance of Myanmar ladies through their brush strokes. Aung admits that his work has something to do with feminism.

 

“In our country we treat both sexes with equal rights. Most Burmese women have obliging habits and a willingness to help others, and my work is to portray their inner beauty,” says Aung.

 

Rather than articulating the female role in Burmese society, Saw simply looks at the beauty and vibrancy of Myanmar tribes through his art.

 

“Women in Myanmar have more opportunities in the job market than men. They play a stronger and more supportive role in family life. I just focus on depicting the beauty and attractive ideas of females in my art work,” Saw says.

 

“The ethnic costumes in Myanmar are very meaningful and symbolic. They have their own lifestyle, values of art and definition of beauty. I just took their symbols of beauty and added my ideas to paint,” he adds.

 

Steeped in Buddhist beliefs, Myanmar is witnessing the blossoming of a contemporary art scene that has developed on its own terms, according to the organiser.  

As for what constitutes contemporary Burmese art, “In Myanmar, things are different.  Successful artists are dedicated to being professional, creative, always searching for perfection and painting to a very high standard,” Sidney says. 

 

“At the moment, Myanmar art is not ‘cutting edge’ – to put it in American terms – but it will come. The next ten years will be interesting and I’m sure that Burmese art will soon shine and have its day,” he concludes.