HOUSE OF THE WEEK
An abundance of space at FMI City
CERTAINLY, space is not a problem in this house – once you get there. Over the Hlaing River, 45 minutes from downtown, there is a large one-storey house in a big compound waiting for someone ready to trade time for space. ...moreWord on the street
ARTIST Zaw Zaw won the best painting of the year award and a K3 million prize at this year’s Tun Foundation Art Competition held at the Myanmar Bankers Association in the second week of December. His painting, “River Ayeyarwady” bears more similarity to a map than a river but the judging committee considered the combination of colours and use of an embossed, pixilated style to really stand out from the other entries.
Where did the idea to paint in an embossed pixilated style come from?
In my opinion, each artist should have their own style. Since I was young, I have liked anything digital, including its texture. As I came to understand that texture is the most important element in my painting, I wanted to draw something that could express this. This encouraged me to draw using embossed pixels. After drawing the painting in this style, by coincidence, I found that some artists from India, England and China have also painted using pixels but they paint directly onto canvas and do not emboss the pixels like me.
When did you start drawing in this style?
Three years ago, I tried a drawing with an iron mesh used to protect people from mosquitoes. It didn’t reach my satisfaction. I then tried again with some plastic meshes but again, I didn’t get what I wanted. A year ago I found some plastic netting that is used to make handbags. I filled the netting with paint and then removed it when the paint was dry leaving embossed pixels. I then draw the subject on the pixels.
Why did you choose the Ayeyarwady river as a subject? It looks like a Google map.
I can’t use the internet. But with the help of a friend, I saw a Google map once. I didn’t copy the Google map but drew everything I wanted to see in the Ayeyarwady river in the painting. I used to live near the river so I’m quite familiar with it. I wanted to capture her gracefulness and greatness but I also suffered during Cyclone Nargis and wanted to show the terrible feeling of it too. I drew all these expressions in the painting.
Is it difficult to draw on embossed pixels?
I draw like a child; happily and at ease. It was difficult when I was testing the embossed pixels but it is not difficult to paint on them. The only hardship is the cost of the painting; I have to use a large amount of paint.
Did you draw this painting for the competition?
I didn’t draw this painting for the competition. I just wanted to show my effort to an audience. But of course, I wanted to win the prize when I entered into the competition.
What does winning the prize mean to you?
I feel like I have more strength to carry on creating what I believe in. I have got more self-confidence. I’ve been drawing for ten years and have had many difficult times. I didn’t know how to carry on if I didn’t win a prize. It would be difficult for me to carry the painting back because I didn’t have enough money to hire a taxi. This is my greatest achievement.
Now you have won K3 million so you can treat your friends. You can even give the golden medal to your wife as a present.
Yes, I could not follow my pursuit without the help of my wife. I have received so much support from her. She understands me and is always by my side whether we are in good times or bad.
You look so excited!
I’m thrilled. I can’t explain how happy I am at the moment. It’s difficult to develop an ability and to earn a name, especially in the arts. It can only happen at the right time; I think my right time has come.
