***PRESS RELEASE***

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15 January 2010

Contemporary Burmese Art: Ideas & Ideals

A View into the Creative Diaspora
New York Open Center Hosts its First Exhibition on Contemporary Burmese Art
Organized and Curated by Burmese artists from the Tri-State Area

The New York Open Center announces a contemporary art exhibition focusing on the talent and
creative motivations of the Burmese diaspora. In a show organized and curated by the artists
themselves, “Contemporary Burmese Art: Ideas and Ideals” will explore the modern landscape in
which Burmese diaspora artists find themselves today. The artwork, and their creators, will
bridge the gap between tradition and creativity, between one homeland and another. A roster of
sixteen Burmese artists from across the United States have come together to jump-start a
dialogue on creativity, censorship, tradition, modernity, “stranger-hood,” identity, and the
irreverent boundary-shattering power of art.

“Contemporary Burmese Art: Ideas & Ideals” will delve into the complexity of the Burmese
creative spirit while examining what it means to be a Burmese artist in the U.S. Drawing from a
rich and nostalgic tradition, how do these artists define their creative identities and as artists in
limbo, between one homeland and another, what are their values and their inspirations?

One of the show’s artists, Chaw Ei Thein reveals that “Burmese artists used to do self-censorship
on ourselves whenever we create our art while we were in Burma to show the public. The
question becomes, are we continuing this self-censorship once away from Burma? Do we
change, adapt, or remain the same. During this exhibition, can an audience see or feel the
sensitivity to this dilemma through our artwork?”
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Join Burmese artists and the Open Center February 6 through February 10 2010 as they take
a view into this creative diaspora and contemplate the ideas and ideals that breathe life into
Burmese contemporary art today.

New York Open Center Inc

22 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016(212) 219-2527‎
opencenter.org
February 6 8:00pm Free
February 7 6:30 - 9:00 pm Free
February 8 10:00 - 6:00 pm Free
February 9 10:00 - 5:00 pm Free

For more information, please contact

Chaw Ei Thein at chaw.ei13@gmail.com
Sandi Tun at charlyant@gmail.com.
Kyawswar Thant at tinnyup2000@gmail.com
Aung Moe Win at aungmoewin@gmail.com
SPONSORS: New York Open Center Inc. (www.opencenter.org) & Interfaith Center of New York
(www.interfaithcenter.org)

SUPPORTERS: Asian Cultural Council (www.asianculturalcouncil.org)

ARTISTS:

1. Win Pe (Maryland)
2. Paw Thame (Texas)
3. Aung Kyaw Moe (N.Y)
4. Win Tun (Mr. Burma) (N.J)
5. Maung Maung Aung (N.Y)
6. Min Kyaw Khine (D.C)
7. Myo Thein Tun (N.Y)
8. Min Aung Ni (N.Y)
9. Ko Myoe (N.Y)
10. Kyaing Lin Naing (N.Y)
11. Than Htay Maung (Pittsburgh)
12. Mg Kyi Myint (N.Y)
13. Min Thant (Gregory Tong) (N.Y)
14. Aung Moe Win (N.Y)
15. Chaw Ei Thein (Burma / NY)
16. Tun Myaing (NY)

ART WORKS:

• Paintings (Oil, Acrylic, Water color) (22 pics)

• Collage (2 pics)
• Photos (6 pics)
• Installation (1pics)
• Sculpture (1 pics)
• Performance video documentary (4 pics)
• Photo slide show (1)