One of Ma Sandy's "spontaneous" abstract paintings.

THE definition of abstract art is all too often lost on viewers, when the work takes on a mind of its own. But that’s exactly what should happen, according to abstract artist Ma Sandy.

“The reason I love abstract art is because it is always boundless and innovative,” she said. “People can better their understanding of the art form by opening their minds to non-representative art and to be more introspective.”

Abstract art can be defined as art that has no reference to any figurative reality. In its wider definition the term describes art that depicts real forms in a simplified or reduced way — keeping only an illusion of the original, natural subject.

Ma Sandy said she finds abstract art irresistible.

“All of my work reflects my memories, so people can actually see inside my head. It’s mysterious, but at the same time it is also very revealing.”

Ma Sandy said she never starts painting with any preconceived ideas and doesn’t sketch her work beforehand to produce a trace of spontaneity throughout her work.

“I don’t like to know what is going to happen next,” she said. “I used to paint only portraits of women, but I find that boring these days. I think that by planning a painting it seems kind of false, artificial.

“An American abstract artist once said to me that creating a piece of abstract art is like dancing. When you dance with somebody you respond to each other — there is that back and forth communication. You need to communicate with the viewer.”

One of the biggest problems she faces in her work is dealing with people who don’t understand abstract art.

“A man came into the gallery once, looked at one of the paintings and said, ‘This looks like scribbling. My six-year-old brother can do that.’”

Sandy said the viewer needs to find the emotion in the painting.
If the artist has devoted themselves to the work, their art will reveal a part of the artist’s emotion.

Sandy has displayed her work in 11 group shows over the past 7 years and will hold her next show with fellow artists Kyu Kyu and Pan Pan on December 12 in AZADA Gallery. Around 30 of their paintings will be exhibited.

Artist Ma Ohmar Than said that creating abstract paintings can be overwhelming but by combining your ideas with your feelings at the time you can achieve an instant masterpiece.

“The more feeling you put into a painting, the more you get out of it,” she said. “If you plan ahead too much you will not accomplish real abstract art.”

Ma Ohmar Than studied at Yangon Cultural Institute and has exhibited her work at six shows, but she isn’t planning a solo show anytime soon.

“I don’t feel ready to hold a solo show yet,” she said. “There are no abstract art classes here. If I find the time I want to study abroad to learn the art form properly.”

Ko Thu Rein Hlaing, a third-year art student at the institute, said he has been painting semi-abstracts for seven years. He has exhibited his work at two solo shows and 45 group shows. His goal is to go completely abstract.

“I like abstract art because it is autonomous and comprehensive,” he said. “When I have finished a painting I am always in high spirits.”

Artist Kyu Kyu has been painting abstract for four years and said it is a great stress reliever.

“Abstract painting is the only creative outlet that releases stress for me,” she said.

Mg Yan Naing, 21, said he has a soft spot for abstract art. He said he finds them thought-provoking and realistic.

“I can look at a portrait or landscape and know what it is, what it means,” he said. “But with abstract work, I cannot even begin to imagine the depth of it. It challenges me.”