Heritage of the golden land: Mother's embrace

Myanmar Contemporary Art Special Exhibition

 
*ကိုရီးယားရှိ မြန်မာနိုင်ငံသား မည်သူမဆို 50% discount ရရှိနိုင်ပါသည်။ 
*Myanmar Nationals residing in Korea will have access to this specific exhibition with a 50% discount on their ticket

Participating Artists: Zaw Win Pe, Htoo Aung Kyaw, Chan Aye, Htein Lin, Khin Maung Yin, Aung Zaw, Aung Myo Oo, Aung Myint, Kyaw Lin, Aye Nyein Myint, Thar Gyi.

K&L Museum is proud to present Heritage of the Golden Land: Mother’s Embrace, a special exhibition on Myanmar’s contemporary art. This exhibition, which was first showcased at the Myanmar Pavilion of the 2024 Gwangju Biennale under the curation of K&L Museum, returns with an expanded roster of artists and enriched content to be unveiled at the museum’s space in Gwacheon. Through artworks that symbolize Myanmar's exceptional natural environment, traditional culture, and a national identity forever striving for freedom, the exhibition explores the profound metaphorical meaning of the word "mother" as the greatest source of life. It delves into the historical and social aspects of Myanmar, tracing the roots of the nation and its maternal origins to the present day, while redefining the unique value and significance of Myanmar’s artistic developments within the context of contemporary art.

Part 1: Myanmar’s Nature and Religion; History of a Culture

Myanmar’s natural landscape —vast plains, dynamic mountain ranges, beaches along the southwestern coast, and a year-round temperate climate— resembles the generous and nurturing embrace of a mother. In the works of landscape painter Zaw Win Pe, the regional characteristics and natural beauty of Myanmar’s 14 states are vividly expressed through a balance of abstraction and figuration. In them, a combination of rich colors and thick textures reflect the artist’s personal emotions. In a different way, Aye Nyein Myint captures the beauty of Myanmar’s native flowers under the intense sunlight, using skilled techniques to portray the feminine curves of petals and stems with vibrant, realistic colors.

From the ancient Pyu and Mon tribes, the first settlers of this land, to the deeply rooted Buddhist culture, Myanmar’s spiritual heritage has flourished like no other. Theravada Buddhism, practiced with unwavering devotion for over 2,500 years, remains a source of peace and hope in the daily lives of the people through meditation, prayer, and mindfulness. The cultural footprints left by Myanmar’s people, shaped by their sublime faith, are reflected in their art, crafts, and architecture, much like the golden pagodas they meticulously built. Htoo Aung Kyaw’s works depict the Buddha in a serene yet resolute manner, accompanied by abstract colors reminiscent of energy or aura. Through his art, he visualizes Buddhist philosophy, emphasizing principles such as purpose, passion, and belief as essential to human existence. Chan Aye, referencing temple and cave murals, creates works that explore religious contemplation, time, and human emotions, using materials like wood, marble, glass, and sandstone to craft thought-provoking pieces that nevertheless evoke aesthetic appreciation.

Part 2: Myanmar’s Ethnic Background and Social Experience

Almost  70% of Myanmar’s population is made up of the Bamar community. However, the country is home to 135 different ethnic groups, elevating it as a treasured land of diversity and regional uniqueness, but making it prone to conflict. Yet, like individuals who grow through confrontation, reflection, and reconciliation, Myanmar is on a journey toward establishing its own unique peace. Htein Lin, an artist working across painting, sculpture, installation, and performance, uses everyday objects to create experimental and sensory art. His works humorously and cleverly address themes of free thought, creativity, social dedication, and critique, offering metaphorical insights into Myanmar’s societal challenges. Zaw Zaw, a versatile artist, pays tribute to John Lennon, a symbol of peace, highlighting art’s timeless influence and its power to inspire change.

Part 3: Myanmar’s Contemporary Art in the International Context

Khin Maung Yin, a pioneer of Myanmar’s modern art movement, introduced abstract painting as a form of free expression, setting a new direction for the country’s contemporary art. Despite challenges, Myanmar’s art reflects its unique natural, religious, and cultural characteristics while engaging with global movements like conceptual art and minimalism. Aung Zaw explores the essence of painting by focusing on the properties of materials, showcasing Myanmar’s artistic diversity through a modern lens. Kyaw Lin’s still lifes are sensory experiments, using lines, shapes, colors, and patterns to evoke emotion, while Thar Gyi’s minimalist works transform unexpected subjects, like landscapes or ruby necklaces, into bold, abstract compositions.

Part 4: National Identity and Solidarity as the source of life

At the beginning of everything lies the land and nature, akin to the embrace of a sacred mother. From this foundation, the seeds of culture and history were sown, and art has carried the weight of time, accompanying the people of Myanmar through generations. Aung Myo Oo’s miniature works recreate typical Myanmar homes and temples, symbolizing places where family stories and cultural traditions are passed down. Through these representations, the artist highlights Myanmar’s unique architectural styles and customs. Aung Myint’s Mother and Child series portrays the nurturing embrace of a mother, evoking feelings of loss, longing, love, and peace. The mother, as a symbol of resilience, reminds us of the strength to overcome crises and protect the family. As the motherland, Myanmar embodies the hope for a prosperous and harmonious future, strengthening the solidarity of its people.

This exhibition invites viewers to explore the rich heritage of Myanmar’s art, reflecting on its natural, cultural, and spiritual roots while celebrating its contemporary expressions. Through the lens of “mother,” it illuminates the enduring connection between the land, its people, and their artistic journey.