In this age of globalization, Burmese contemporary art has developed rather on its own terms.
Yesterday's AK Files explored one contemporary Indian artist exhibiting in Chicago. Burma -- although still isolated economically and politically -- is birthing its own contemporary scene.
ARTKABINETT social network for fine art collectors appreciates the global influence of southeast Asian artists.
The invaluable historical artifacts displayed at the National Museum of Myanmar showcase the wealth of history and culture of Myanmar. Each object displayed in the respective showrooms reflects Myanmar s social, political and economic pasts, the traditions and technology of that time, and the intricate traits and rituals of the people in the successive periods in the past.
The rich collections of the Museum include archaeological, ethnological, traditional, religious, cultural and art objects.
The National Museum of the Union of Burma was first opened in June, 1952 at the Jubilee Hall Building on Shwedagon Pagoda Road, Yangon.
The museum was moved to a larger location at 24/26 Pansodan Street in 1970, and to its present location in 1996 because of the extended collections.
The new five story National Museum has been open to public since 18 September 1996 in a grand scale.
he first chief curator was Daw Nyunt Han, who obtained her museological knowledge from abroad. She helped establish the National Museum after many hardships and difficulties. The National Museum of Myanmar currently houses 14 permanent exhibition showrooms.
The floor area of exhibits is 194,800 sq ft. Myanmar Epigraphy and Calligraphy Showroom Myanmar alphabets, vowels and numbers, evidence of Myanmar calligraphy from successive period and handwritings script of writers in to the 20th Century A.D are on display.
Yadanabon Period Showroom has models, photographs and paintings of the Mandalay Myanansankyaw Palace, royal furniture and ceremonial costumes of royalty are displayed in this showroom.
The Royal Regalia Showroom (shown above right) is made of pure solid gold and studded with jewels, and is displayed in front of the Lion Throne. Myanmar Performing Arts Showroom has space for Myanmar Orchestra, musical instruments of national origin and Myanmar marionettes are shown.
In the Myanmar Ancient Ornaments Showroom Buddha Images Showroom has Votive tablets from Pyu and Bagan periods and Buddha images from Pyu to Yadanabon period are exhibited.
The Halls of Arts covers the progress of the Burmese art, beginning with the cave paintings of from stone age to the Bagan, Innwa, Taungoo, Konbaung and Yadanabon periods to 20th century contemporary art. The works of famous artists are on display.
One of the first to study western art was U Ba Nyan. Together with U Ngwe Gaing and a handful of other artists, they were pioneers of western painting style in Burma. Later, most of the students learnt from masters through apprenticeship. Some well known Burmese contemporary artists are now exhibited worldwide.
Burma was renamed (Union of) Myanmar by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) which has ruled the country since 1989. The generals renamed themselves as the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) in 1997. Most foreigners however, still call the country Burma. The development within the contemporary art scene in Burma is limited at present. It is mainly concentrated in Rangoon (Yangon) and Mandalay, the two largest cities.
Oil and watercolour are still the most popular media. Motifs, in the vast majority of cases are rural village life scenes and or idyllic scenes depicting Buddhist temples and pagodas.
Some artists are starting to develop a more modern style, though contemporary art is not particularly experimental in the country.
When looking at Burmese contemporary art, one should keep in mind that the country has been more or less isolated from the rest of the world for over thirty years, and hence the art mostly reflects traditional values and ways of life. One characteristic feature of art education or training in Burma is the continued system of apprenticeship. Studying in the workshop of an old master is placed in high regard.
note : In Burma, people do not have a second (family) name, only one name. Mr. Lun Gywe is addressed as U Lun Gywe
