Bagyi Aung Soe, “Non-‐Objective Painting”, Hkyeyi (August 1986), 72-73.1
72 It has been two years since I have been illustrating for Hkyeyi magazine with young painters of the new era such as Maung Di, Moat Thone, Ko Myoe, Kyaw Phyu San and others.2 To mark its second anniversary, I have to write a special article for Hkyeyi. All readers understand what those who illustrate in the style of “Realism” [English] draw. There is nothing more to say and their works are perfect. But I would like to explain a bit on behalf of the painters of the new era to readers who are truly interested in painting of the new era (“Modern Art” [English]). Hkyeyi’s chief editor also paints and he is therefore a man who likes painting very much. He gives these above-mentioned young illustrators of the new era the opportunity to freely create works. Since he gives me (the old one) the same chance, I find that it is for me to provide the explanation on painting of the modern era instead of the young painters. It is like the Burmese proverb: to herd auntie’s cow for free while taking a meal. It is difficult to explain what non-objective painting is. It is what I want to write; this is just an introduction. Most painters of the new era appear seem interested in non-objective painting. I see their interest. They are interested through Saya Maung Di (painter Myo Nyunt). This artist should explain non-objective painting, but since he is an artist, he only paints. He does not want to explain. In fact, Maung Di said that he did not want to paint as before. It bored him. Therefore, he did not want to explain everything to others. 1
This translation only conveys the gist of the article, not all the nuances. Characteristic of usage in the modern period, the Burmese word meaning “painting” is often used to stand for “art”, and likewise “painter” for “artist”. In this article, the original meaning of “painting” and “painter” is favoured. When translated as “art” and “artist”, “[painting]” and “[painter]” in square brackets follows, unless the Burmese word for “art” is used. “Non-‐Objective Painting” here can be understood as “Abstract Art” or “Abstract Painting”. 2 The Burmese term meaning “painting of the new era” [art; Burmese: eခတ$သစ$ ပန္းခ်ီ] is generally understood as “modern painting” and “modern art” in Myanmar. Bagyi Aung Soe, “Non-Objective Painting”, Hkyeyi (August 1986), 72-73.
1
AungSoeillustrations.org