A female artist finishes a painting at the national museum, Yangon. Pic: Lwin Maung Maung

DESPITE the opening of new art galleries, the continuing development of art techniques, stellar art contests and the emergence of new artists on the scene, there is a sense that in 2008 the arts community in Myanmar will have to work even harder to develop their industry.
Artist Min Wae Aung said the opening of new art galleries like Thamada, Yadanabon, Summit Art Collection II, Park Royal and Yadanapura in 2007 had been quite a help for Myanmar artists as there are more places to exhibit and sell their art.

However, some small galleries in Bagan, Mingun and TMT in Yangon were closed due to some difficulties. Also, fewer art exhibitions were held in more prominent galleries such as Lokanat and Azada in Yangon.

Some artists said it is not because of the increasing number of art galleries but rather the decreasing number of art exhibitions.

“Some artists introduced new media but I didn’t see anything outstanding this year. The art market was average this year so many artists, including myself, did not dare to exhibit solo. As there were fewer tourists than usual, most of the art galleries didn’t work well,” said modern artist Nyein Chan Su, the co-owner of Studio Square in Yangon.

For contemporary artist Khin Zaw Latt, 2007’s art market was not very different from 2006. He held a group exhibition here in Myanmar and both solo and group exhibitions in Chiang Mai and Hong Kong.

“I haven’t seen many real changes in the last few years but it seems to me that there are fewer art exhibitions of more famous artists,” he said.

According to the gallery owners and artists, the sale of art was normal at the beginning of the year, dropped mid-year and recovered slightly towards the end of 2007.

“Even at the time the market was working, only low-priced artworks by new artists were selling well. Paintings by famous artists were not in demand and the prices were lower than usual,” said a gallery owner.

But the year did provide many opportunities for emerging artists. After only one major competition in 2006, last year several events including the Alliance Francaise and The Tun Foundation’s painting contests saw lots of new talent enter the industry.

Female artists held several group shows and there were many shows by foreign artists, including six solo exhibitions by Serbian painters throughout the last half of the year.

“I noticed that there were few installation shows this year. Art sales were not good here. It was better abroad because art dealers came and took paintings there,” said Min Wae Aung who held shows in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

While sales in Myanmar were down, the rise of online art sales and foreign exhibitions saw a lot of work leave the country. This ultimately helps raise the international profile of the art. With a new year ahead, the artists of Myanmar are preparing for a promising future and many colourful new exhibitions.