Myanmar's contemporary painting is not well known, but a
weeklong exhibition featuring three of the country's most renowned
artists will awaken a sense of familiarity and recognition.
"Opus One Shanghai," an exhibition of 35 paintings at Wan Fung
Art Gallery, captures the spirit and color of the country and its
people. The Asia Fine Arts exhibition presents some of the
country's most successful artists, including Chan Aye, Tin Win, and
Myanmar's most recognized painter, Min Wae Aung.
Min, principal artist of the show, offers simplicity and peace,
an insight into the Buddhist way of life, with his strong
uncomplicated images. For his first show in Shanghai, the artist
developed fifteen acrylic on canvas paintings that depict journeys
made by Buddhist monks and nuns.
"Min has captured the very essence of Myanmar -- its spiritual
and magical dimension, iconic characters perpetuating age-old
traditions, and also the beauty and joy of daily life in Myanmar,
the morning rounds to collect alms, the hot sun, the energy of
youth," says Sidney Cowell, Asia Fine Arts managing director.
The artist at first painted landscapes, portraits, and images of
daily life in his home country. "It was not until 1998 that I
started to make more religious scenes. I felt I had to develop one
unique style," he says.
Now his vivid images are known worldwide, with many artists
trying to copy his individual style.
With a solid block of color as background, his subjects walk
away from the viewer, often with their faces hidden. They convey a
feeling of harmony and leaving troubles behind.
"When you go to a monk's life you go towards peace and leave all
daily pressure behind," Min says.
Since 1994 Min has participated in over 40 exhibitions around
the world, and his work is sought out by collectors, galleries and
museums. Before coming to Shanghai the exhibit was shown in Paris
where five works were sold.
The traditional way of life is captured by all three artists,
each in a very different style.
Although Min's pictures are the best known, the other artists
also give fresh perspectives on the people and sense of the
country.
"Myanmar is the rising star of the art world and it is exciting
to see these extraordinary artists at this point in their careers,"
says Cowell.
(Shanghai Daily March 27, 2007)