Kyaw Thu's Triumph of Art Exhibition in New York City

"Security = Warmth" (36 x 40, acrylic on canvas) 

 A Burmese well-respected philanthropist & actor, Kyaw Thu, had a triumph of art exhibition in New York City over the Memorial Day weekend. Traveling from Burma, a place more than 8000 miles away from New York City, Kyaw Thu’s paintings carry colorful stories to be revealed. Some paintings represent Burmese’s culture, some speak about the artist’s desire for freedom & peace, and other reflects the history of revolutions that took place in Burma. 

In the Project Reach's room filled with Burmeses and Americans from different background, I could feel the creator’s pain, sadness and happiness through his paintings. Yes...Kyaw Thu’s paintings rock.

Kyaw Thu with his paintings

The artist named his solo show as First Break Out.

“I have been denied all rights to artistic creation in Myanmar since September 2007, when I offered alms and water to monks walking in peaceful protest and reciting prayers of love during the Saffron Revolution, all the way to my current visit to the United States. I would like to call it the first breakout, the first artistic expressions from the heart, to be able to publicly exhibit the heartfelt works I have painted during my visit to America,” Kyaw Thu said in his opening speech. 

"War and Peace"  (36 x 24, mixed media ) 

 

Colors from paintings are reflections of life. Similar to his paintings, the artist’s life is painted with colorful experiences. He is one of Burma’s best-known actors/directors (two times Burmese Academy Award winner). Besides his acting career, Kyaw Thu is the founder of the Free Funeral Services Society, an organization that provides free funeral services, free medical services, free library and free education to the poor. 

He also played a prominent role in relief projects in response to natural disasters such as Cyclone Nargis. As much as he is loved by the poor, he was oppressed by the military government. His films and paintings were banned in Burma. “An actor’s life is meaningless if he is not allowed to act,” Kyaw Thu said in one of his interviews with the media. Moreover, he and his wife were arrested for supporting the protesting monks in September Saffron Revolution in 2007. Regardless of challenges, they both continue to provide social services to less fortunate people. 

"Amnesty" (24 x 36, Acrylic on canvas), an aerial view of Insein Prison in Burma.

"September" (18 x 24, acrylic on canvas) represents the Saffron Revolution in Burma occurred in September 2007. Many monks were shot and arrested during the revolution. I believe the torn saffron-colored robe represents the pain and sufferings of those who scarified their lives during the revolution.

People from different background visited the exhibition

"Apostate: 88-1" represents the 1988 Student Revolution in Burma 

"Kiss Me Quick" (24 x 36, acrylic on canvas)

As a citizen of Burma, Kyaw Thu seems to fall in love with Burmese's culture from the bottom of his heart. He expresses this love via following paintings:  

This painting represents a Burmese Traditional Musical Band

Burmese Traditional Pots From Different Centuries

Prior to this show, Kyaw Thu's exhibition was not allowed to  open to public in Burma. So, he displayed it like this at his home. His paintings helped him to run away from home without leaving home. (photo: AP)                                           


There is no limit to an art. 
To me, Kyaw Thu is a true artist who wakes up the observers' souls by his tender strokes of brush. 
Looking forward to seeing more paintings or more break outs from Kyaw Thu.    

(If you want to learn about Kyaw Thu's social services or send donation, please contact him at ffss.ygn@gmail.com
Web: http://www.ffssyangon.net )