"Artists are the Peacemakers"
We are so excited about the upcoming art auction, and especially inspired to know that the freedom of expression of those suffering under horrendous circumstances has not only endured, but that their creativity has in fact found its way to reach the world, to be hung as paintings on a New York City gallery. Below are the inspiring words of one Burmese artist in hiding whose work will be featured. Please consider sharing this, and encouraging friends to bid on these pieces, with all proceeds going to urgent humanitarian projects in Myanmar. (Please note that due to personal safety reasons, we are not able to identify the name of this famous artist)
“Our county, Myanmar, has many cultural heritage sites, as well as an abundance of natural resources, and is visited by many foreigners and Burmese alike. So I'm very interested in painting that combines the cultural with the environmental. But I create my images in an expressionistic way, to incorporate my feelings into the scenes themselves.
I’m also inspired by natural light, which helps bring out elemental moods and emotions. But color is perhaps the key element for me. I believe color represents a person`s feelings and thoughts. So in one series of paintings, I work with the reflections, sunlight on the trees and the surrounding greenery in a way that makes the subjects my own.
Another of my series consists of a number of expressionist works that illustrate the social, economic, educational and political changes I’ve experienced over five decades in Myanmar.
As many of you are aware, our country has been in a democratic transition of civil society—in the political, educational, economic and other sectors. But we haven't reached our goals yet. We haven't seen much change. And even worse, our civil wars haven't stopped. Therefore we still need to develop strong institutions, behave responsibly and respect other people 's rights.
We are working towards the right to hold our own opinions, and to express them freely, without government interference. This includes works of arts , on the internet, in social media, in published works. Human rights should also protect our freedom to get information freely and without censorship
We need to work towards lasting peace, a really democratic society and sustainable development, for the good of our country. Yet when we look into ourselves, we will find that things may not be as good as you we think inside. We are looking for a better life on the outside, while struggling and suffocating in our daily life.
In the end, I just want to add that artists are peacemakers!”