Episode #81: Artists Against Tyranny
The Art Against Tyranny auction is fast approaching.
As many are now aware, the situation in Myanmar continues to be intolerable. Day by day innocent civilians are being killed, maimed, starved, and forced from their homes, and the military continues their campaign of terror. The many civilian victims of their relentless attacks desperately need help. In a country of over 50 million, every ninth person is suffering food shortages. In the coming months this is expected to increase to 26 million. Over 2 million people have been displaced, and are fighting off starvation, COVID, and exposure with no food, no medicine, and no shelter. Moreover, many thousands of brave government workers, police, and even soldiers, have abandoned the military machine, refusing to work for a dictatorship, but in doing so, have lost their income and many have been forced to flee arrest. All this is to say, the need for financial support is a dire one, in so many ways.
And towards this end, the Art Against Tyranny auction is being held. This supportive and hopefully inspiring event will be held over two days: the 11th and 12th of this month (Eastern US time), or 12th and 13th for those in Asia.
Using art, a refined pursuit far removed from the grit and blood of war, terror, and death, to fight tyranny might feel somewhat dissonant. Like, in the the middle of the greatest crisis Myanmar has ever faced, it may not seem like the time to think about art. But actually, now is exactly the right time! While art is often viewed as a luxury for the wealthy and fortunate, it is really the raw essence of human experience, distilled down to directly tap into our emotions. Conflict is certainly a part of the human experience, and it is for this reason that art and revolution can easily go hand in hand. Art is self-expression, and the people of Myanmar want to shout their burning desire for freedom, democracy, justice, peace, and an end to the suffering. It is through art that Burmese rappers, painters, poets, graffiti artists, video editors, and others have expressed their opposition to the junta, and emboldened their compatriots to continue their march to ultimate victory. It is through art that the true horror and carnage of the military's reign of terror can be conveyed to people all over the world. In sum, art is a vital medium through which people can have their voices heard, and by which people the world over can be moved to pressure the military to release their death-grip on the nation, and give power back to the people.
This week, a New York City art gallery, the Jane Lombard, has graciously donated its space for free to showcase revolutionary art from Myanmar artists, in order to highlight the plight of the Myanmar people. And virtually, artists from around the world have united through their art to fight against dictatorship, oppression, terror, and tyranny. Some pieces on display today are biting, while others are hauntingly beautiful…but all of it is inspiring. Some of the talented artists who have so generously contributed pieces to the auction will be interviewed about their work, philosophy, and hopes for the future.
The first guest is MiMi Aye, a noted Myanmar food writer in the UK who opens up about the role of food in connecting to and experiencing culture, the complexities of growing up with dual identities, and the role of art in revolution and social progress.
Next is Dr Sasa, the Minister for International Cooperation within the National Unity Government. He shares his thoughts on art and outlines the importance of today's event, the the importance of raising awareness among the international community to help the long-suffering Myanmar people.
The final guest today is Emi Grate, A Burmese American drag artist who is contributing a live performance at today's event which we encourage everyone to watch, and who will open up to us about Myanmar society, the duality and fluidity present in all forms of identity, and her role in helping others find the courage to be themselves and find a an emotional home.
This art auction promises to be an incredible event. Please take time to see what on display, spread the word, and maybe buy an exquisite work of art for a good cause. The more money raised, the more lives saved, and the sooner the military's campaign of death and destruction will end. So, please take the time to listen to some talented artists tell us their stories, and follow the auction and live show at the links provided.