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The cascade of changes in Burma means we are presented with all manner of welcome surprises. I had never thought I would attend an urban art exhibition in central Yangon showcasing the work of Southeast Asian graffiti artists. But there I was. It was an unexpected addition to my time in Yangon, where I was attending the 2012 Asialink Conversations: a tremendously stimulating event. Details on the Conversations are available here.
At the exhibition, I enjoyed some lively chats with the participants, who came from all corners of the region, and also took a few photos. Naturally enough, The Myanmar Times will have a good write-up in next week’s paper. In the meantime there are plenty of details on this Facebook page.
The event, for those who are curious, was held in a condo which is currently in the final stage of construction. The organiser worked out an arrangement with his boss, who facilitated access to the multi-storey venue. As a space for art, it was really quite something.
Was it the sort of ‘hip-hop culture’ that coincides with lattes, cocktails or neither? Were the beats deep, were there records to scratch? Were there squatters? Rather than surprise about this sort of event in future, we’ll all be surprised at the tyrannical price of admission…
“Back in my day… kids had something to complain about, but now!”
With great tyranny comes great art. Word.
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During my last visit to Burma I was surprised to find an exciting and rich contemporary art scene thta I, in my ignorance, had no idea about before. One fine example is Pansodan Gallery in downtown Rangoon. My article about it in The Irrawaddy:
http://irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22925
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@CG – Yes, no price of admission yet, but I was a little unsettled by the Royal Teamix stand at the event’s entrance. Unsettled? Maybe there’s a better word. It shouldn’t be suprising, of course, as this kind of event does require money to put on, and I’m presuming that the RT stand helped address that. In that sense it’s nothing to decry. And anyway, for me at least, the idea of a ‘pure’ street art – and why wouldn’t the same go for art as such – is always already impossible. Better to jump into the contradictions head on. But I would be lying if I didn’t say a part of me was wishing that stand wasn’t there. Tough question, I guess? Either way, props to all the artists. A very impressive scene overall, at least in my opinion.
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Royal Myanmar Teamix? Where we at the same event?
It did have sponsors – Timberland Furniture and Moe San Pan Media – but I don’t think Royal Myanmar was one of them…
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Yeah, the green table with green cups etc., by the table with the calendars for sale and the book(let) published for the event – just as you come up the steps from outside and before you enter the first main gallery space on the first floor. I didn’t see anything about Timberland F or MSP Media, but it’s more than possible I just wasn’t paying close enough attention. Not to overshadow the work itself though! With this talk of Teamix and sponsorship. Like I said, major congrats to the artists for a pretty excellent event.
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If the topic of Yangon’s urban art may be extended to the urban musical arts, readers may be interested in today’s Guardian article which includes discussion of Yangon’s punk scene.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/mar/17/punk-rock-state-oppression-burma
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