Art Association gives life to a land covered in red
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September 23 â Myanmar is a country beset by conflict and massacres.
According to the Association for Assistance to Political Prisoners, a human rights organization based in Thailand, more than 1,100 people have been killed in Myanmar (Burma) since the military seized power in February.
Families sit inside their homes – many of which are makeshift – and know blood is flowing right outside, said Jane Williams of the Logansport Art Association (LAA). Williams has worked with a group of Burmese artists, many of whom are either in refugee camps in Myanmar or have been released from the camps but lack the freedoms available in the United States.
The unrest in this Asian nation could dispel any notion of happiness, but this group of artists refuses to make that happen, she said, acknowledging that Burmese artist from Fort Wayne, Saw Kennedy, who was once in a refugee camp, brought nearly 20 artists together for a cultural experience at the LAA at 424 Front Street.
âHe’s taking us out of these artists out of Myanmar to show us the better times,â Williams said of the 42 pieces on display at âThe Soul of Myanmar,â which runs through Saturday, October 2. Asian country, others live in Norway, Iowa and Fort Wayne.
Getting several of these parts to Logansport was not easy. In fact, in addition to a variety of âcreative waysâ of transporting them overseas, Williams said some were smuggled out of Myanmar through PVC pipes. Many hands played a role in bringing the artwork here, she said, explaining that local resident Sunday Htoo was one of those people.
Showcasing the culture, history and rich beauty of the land and its people is so important, she added.
Kennedy agreed, saying in a statement that “Even though we were once refugees, if we try to be confident, if we have a strong vision for the future, and if we are passionate about our dreams, we will have the most valuable opportunity to continue working on our goals. “
Its aim is to share culture and history while selling work for the people of Myanmar. The proceeds from sales will benefit artists who have dared to share their visions of a country where peace seems constantly out of reach.
But whatever may happen in the next few days, Williams said these artists are more concerned with spreading their personal vision of a divided country.
Ko Sid’s series “Stranger Face” portrays anger, innocence, vanity and struggle. The Yangon, Myanmar resident said in a description of his work that the plays are based on his emotions of current events where people “feel less worth and kindness and more aggressiveness.”
These feelings are marked on the canvas through reflections and lines of color.
Another artist, Min San Shar from Mawlamyine, Myanmar, said that âart shapes him as a free manâ.
Even as the war rages on, Hei Ar Heison from Myanmar has claimed that the war, which has been an important part of his life, is causing damage to people. And through his art, everyone’s desire to work together was born.
Despite the devastation, it’s important to recognize that good can come from bad, Williams said. “Something beautiful can come out of devastation.”
This is a lesson that artist Ar Thet Oo discovered. Residing in Yangar, Myanmar, he said in an account of his work that by painting the “beauty of poppies, (loving) the movement and dance of poppies … (he) realizes that beauty is related to the opium drug, and sometimes beauty contains ugliness. “
And currently, that describes his country well.
But where bad lives, good ones triumph, that’s what Kennedy believes, Williams said. âWherever you live, love what you do, do your best and you will be successful,â she said, quoting her friend, saying that is exactly what artist Satt Aung TT did.
In addition to submissions for the LAA exhibition, Satt Aung TT is also participating in a juryed exhibition in Grand Rapids, Michigan called the “Art Prize”. If he wins, he could raise $ 50,000.
âPeople need to see this (LAA) exhibit,â Williams said. “People need to see the sight through the artist’s own eyes … to see the artists’ visions.”
The artists participating in the exhibition are: Ko Maung Win Hia, Mg Kywa Khaung, Ar Thet Oo, Co Thiee, Soe Aung, Ni Po U, Soe Htay, Ko Sid, Satt Aung TT, Su Eaindra, Win Win, Saw Eh, Saw Poe Dah, Hei Ar Heison, Rah Nay Kaw Htoo, Ku Paw, Min San Shar and Saw Kennedy.
Contact Kristi Hileman at [email protected] or 574-732-5150
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