***PRESS RELEASE***
15th January 2010
Contemporary Burmese Art: Ideas & Ideals
A View into the Creative Diaspora
New York Open Center Hosts its First Exhibition on Contemporary Burmese Art
Organized and Curated by Burmese artists from the Tri-State Area
The New York Open Center announces a contemporary art exhibition focusing on the talent and
creative motivations of the Burmese diaspora. In a show organized and curated by the artists
themselves, “Contemporary Burmese Art: Ideas and Ideals” will explore the modern landscape in
which Burmese diaspora artists find themselves today. The artwork, and their creators, will
bridge the gap between tradition and creativity, between one homeland and another. A roster of
sixteen Burmese artists from across the United States have come together to jump-start a
dialogue on creativity, censorship, tradition, modernity, “stranger-hood,” identity, and the
irreverent boundary-shattering power of art.
“Contemporary Burmese Art: Ideas & Ideals” will delve into the complexity of the Burmese
creative spirit while examining what it means to be a Burmese artist in the U.S. Drawing from a
rich and nostalgic tradition, how do these artists define their creative identities and as artists in
limbo, between one homeland and another, what are their values and their inspirations?
One of the show’s artists, Chaw Ei Thein reveals that “Burmese artists used to do self-censorship
on ourselves whenever we create our art while we were in Burma to show the public. The
question becomes, are we continuing this self-censorship once away from Burma? Do we
change, adapt, or remain the same. During this exhibition, can an audience see or feel the
sensitivity to this dilemma through our artwork?”
Join Burmese artists and the Open Center February 6th through February 10th 2010 as they take
a view into this creative diaspora and contemplate the ideas and ideals that breathe life into
Burmese contemporary art today.