Youth Voices through Art

Dilemma

Myanmar transitional justice has been supported by the diaspora. Myanmar youth diaspora in Thailand has created bridges and links among people and communities from many diverse backgrounds. In this piece, they reflect on the collective feeling of bewilderment among young people due to the current political situation. Is it possible that young people have taken the wrong decisions? Was following the democratic path the wrong choice? Through nine images and nine poems, this emotion is explored. The artwork concludes with the words “Yangon never surrenders”, indicating that despite all, young people will continue working towards what they believe is the right path

Myanmar transitional justice has been supported by the diaspora. Myanmar youth diaspora in Thailand has created bridges and links among people and communities from many diverse backgrounds. In this piece, they reflect on the collective feeling of bewilderment among young people due to the current political situation. Is it possible that young people have taken the wrong decisions? Was following the democratic path the wrong choice? Through nine images and nine poems, this emotion is explored. The artwork concludes with the words “Yangon never surrenders”, indicating that despite all, young people will continue working towards what they believe is the right path

I miss my parents so much. I want to meet them but it’s impossible for me at the moment.
It'd be nice to have you here with me
Positioned in a solemn arrangement, clay-crafted dove toys symbolizing peace and innocence invite reflection upon countless souls lost in war, each embodying an individual story of shared sorrow and the resilience of the human spirit.
Within intricate layers of enamel paint, a profound narrative emerges, depicting civilians' resilience amid junta airstrikes, evoking the perspective of a child forever impacted by the violent realities of conflict.
A commonly seen phrase in rural Burmese households, "The flesh of a child is bitter. The flesh of a dog is sweet," explores Burmese folklore and resonates with junta attacks in those regions, where civilians refer to junta soldiers as "dogs".
Upon luminous pedestals, traditional paper mache toys create an ethereal tableau, honouring the innocent souls of conflict-affected children, as their soft glow invites viewers into a realm of introspection.
A spherical lamp's soft glow reveals a captivating metamorphosis of a sandy playground into a liminal landscape, where interplay of light and shadows blurs the lines between reality and imagination.
The neon sign, portraying a child's crude drawing, casts a red glow on crumpled metal roofs, symbolizing the deep bond between children and their homes, yet also hauntingly reminding of homes destroyed by junta airstrikes.
A geometric glass vase, filled with delicate white flowers, rests on a rotating pedestal, bathed in gentle illumination from below, evoking a sense of tribute and mourning.
Saw Kyaw Ra Mine misses his parents, who live in a village in Myanmar. He wants to meet them but is unable to. He wakes up early and spends free time playing games. He dreams of becoming an artist and saving money to support his parents.
His family was broken up due to a father's immature and party-oriented lifestyle, which led to a separation. He feels small, insecure, ashamed, and depressed. He meets a friend who invites them to a youth conference program, where they are warmly welcomed and taken care of as family members. The people they meet are active, smiling, and inspiring, providing help and encouragement to reconstruct themselves.

*Click or tap on each image for more information.
*Click or tap on each image for more information.

Dilemma

Maintaining an unwavering faith in one's beliefs is essential for living a virtuous life. Since humans are interdependent, they may feel inclined to quit or forget during moments of hardships uncontrollably happening in the environment. The photographs presented here expresses silent desires of similar-minded youths.

Fragments

Poem: "In the midst of trials, in this downward spin, Does our faith ebb like the tide, grow thin? Where does our courage, our strength repose? In the shadows of uncertainty, where it flows?"

Vanish Into The Ether

"Our striving in the revolution's grand design, May dissolve like smoke from a cigarette fine. Efforts we put forth, so fervently stoked, In the winds of time, like wisps of smoke."

Weary And Frail

"While proverbs promise paths where we'd meet, Some left without a word, on life's discreet beat. Goodbyes unspoken, they simply withdrew, Leaving behind memories, old and new."

Stumble and Standstill

"A wanderer with no fixed destination will halt When they no longer wish to journey, their step's default. But I, with a known path ahead, sometimes falter and sway, Seeking encouragement when doubts lead me astray. Still, there are moments when pressure's weight's too much to bear, And I yearn to come to a full stop, release from the snare."

Eclipsed Aspirations

Poem: In the dreams of the youth, a future drops from view, Pazigyi's children, bodies amid the red hue. Hopeless eyes, they seek shelter from the skies, I Innocence lost to strife, where pain and fear arise. Forgiveness we may find, but never shall we erase, The memory of self-centered ways, a bitter, haunting chase. Parents, with choices made, their children's future their aim, Yet, in this tangled web of life, we won't forget the pain.

Persevering and Relentless

Poem: In the face of all obstacles, some souls dare to stand, In the revolution's fiery grip, they lend a helping hand. Their perseverance, a beacon in the darkest night, Guiding them through turmoil, in the relentless fight. Yet, I hang my head in quiet shame and contemplation, My aspirations confined to survival, a humbler dedication. Beside the revolutionary faith, I falter and sway, In the shadow of their courage, I find my own way.

Tenacity Amidst Tribulations

Poem: "As hardships multiply, day by day, Curious eyes, hidden sabotage in their array, With fake smiles, we navigate a path unknown, Ahead, we march, steadfast in faith’s throne."

Self-restraint:

Poem: "Yet, we believe that within every heart's shade, Hatred, stigma, and vengeance can fade. Transformed into the fuel that ignites the flame, In the pursuit of federal democracy, we stake our claim. Yangon Shall Never Surrender!”

People are staying together and making community who have same basic value of humanity and moral to form a stable and secure society. Each and every one is contributing for this community with their skills and capacities for the sustainability of it. People respects to each other, understand the diversity without judgement or discrimination and always think of inclusiveness. Such community can only be the good united community or the united community with diversity. I believe the art is the best platform or medium that can bridge among people for sharing and expressing of thoughts, feelings and opinions without words or languages. The opinions and voices of every participants is important and only the collective voices can represent and reflect the community. I want to search the collective answer of “What is union?” for our community through this experimental process. This exhibition is not only to watch my art creations but also a process or collective works that audience can participate. You can reflect how you grow up, what happening to you now and what you hope for your future. Then express it by participating in this exhibition. Please check the steps by steps instruction and feel free to participate!

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