The Burmese Scream

This image by JMP places General Min Aung Hlaing as a character in Edvard Munch's famous painting, "The Scream," which depicts a figure screaming in despair.

The figure in "The Scream" appears to be in agony and isolation, with their hands covering their ears as if trying to block out the world's noise. In contrast, General Min Aung Hlaing has actively engaged in the violent overthrow of the government, leading to a brutal crackdown on protesters and activists. The General's actions have led to the deaths of thousands of people, the displacement of millions more, and a general sense of fear and despair among the population. This loss of human life can be seen in the cart of dead bodies behind the General.

Furthermore, while the figure in "The Scream" is alone and seemingly disconnected from the world around them, General Min Aung Hlaing has been trying to amass power and influence through his coup, despite widespread condemnation and opposition from the international community.

Why did JMP make this artistic decision? One cannot be totally sure. Yet we know that "The Scream" and General Min Aung Hlaing's situation both evoke a sense of despair and isolation, even as they differ in their scale and scope. "The Scream" is a personal expression of emotional anguish, while the General's actions have had devastating consequences for an entire country.

What do you think?