Myanmar is changing. After 2021, young people have started to question historical ethno-religious divisions that had seemed to be the basis for the Myanmar national identity — challenging the idea of “us” vs “them” which has fuelled wars and enabled human rights violations lasting generations. Young people are asking important questions : Can we address what is at the root of our conflict? Can we cooperate differently this time despite the many injustices taking place?
This exhibition is called “our voices, our truths” to pay homage to the many people in the country unable to access their rights. We want to give a space for voices to speak their truths. Their stories may be difficult to hear but sharing them is part of the process of collective healing. Listening to their voices can only guide us, and our pursuit for justice, and the desire to build a more inclusive future.
Myanmar is changing. After 2021, young people have started to question historical ethno-religious divisions that had seemed to be the basis for the Myanmar national identity — challenging the idea of “us” vs “them” which has fuelled wars and enabled human rights violations lasting generations. Young people are asking important questions : Can we address what is at the root of our conflict? Can we cooperate differently this time despite the many injustices taking place?
This exhibition is called “our voices, our truths” to pay homage to the many people in the country unable to access their rights. We want to give a space for voices to speak their truths. Their stories may be difficult to hear but sharing them is part of the process of collective healing. Listening to their voices can only guide us, and our pursuit for justice, and the desire to build a more inclusive future.
Artistic developments can be likened to wildflowers struggling to emerge from oppressive authoritarian regimes. Despite the challenges faced, Burmese art, encompassing literature, poetry, painting, music, and contemporary dance, has flourished in recent years. Amidst the haunting political events, we present the responses of Burmese artists who seize limited opportunities to express themselves. This exhibition showcases the beauty and courage of these "wildflowers." However, due to concerns for their safety and that of their families, the location and names of the artists remain undisclosed. The literature and visual arts on display reflect the lives people have endured during the past three years, marked by difficulties and dangerous atmospheres. Visitors to this exhibition will be able to explore the struggle against injustice from the unique perspective of art.
The Hidden Diaries Online Exhibition is a collaborative effort curated by Article X and Doh Hlay.
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Inspired by the complex emotions experienced in their escape from Yangon across the Thai border with the help of human traffickers, this live performance explores the tension between the two forces influencing the artist’s journey — Dhamma, cosmic law and order, and Adhamma, cosmic injustice and disorder.
As our conclusive piece, we invite the viewer to take a few moments to participate in this piece: to listen, to meditate and to ponder.
