The new photo gallery on Inya Road and U Zaw Min Yu and U Thurein Yu. Pics: U Zaw Min Yu and Aye Zaw Myo

THE building is simple, even austere, the colours muted. But the 4900 square-foot gallery-cum-studio on Inya Road is both the creative space for the works of leading photographer U Zaw Min Yu, and their showcase.

The architect was U Thurein Yu, the photographer’s son and the head of his own successful design firm “innerspace”.

“It took six months to build,” said U Thurein Yu. “We made the gallery features simple, and focused them around U Zaw Min Yu’s photographic works. The design of the walls, the colours and the lighting contributes to that focus.”

The square structure, which stands near the junction with New University Avenue Road, is made from iron frame and asbestos walls. There are two tempered glass entrance doors, one opening into the studio and the other to the windowless L- shaped gallery.

Images of people, places, lifestyles and fine arts from around the country occupy every space on the bare walls. Illumination from the muted spotlights directed at the pictures from overhead beams is complemented by the soft music from the sound system and reflected from the polished teak floor. The atmosphere is peaceful, the air cool.

The adjacent studio, walled in grey under a sloping ceiling, abuts on the front office area where photographs are set against a background of white, black and red that matches the décor and the furniture. A narrow stair from the studio ascends to U Zaw Min Yu’s office in the mezzanine, which also serves as the control room for projector shows below. The equipment in the gallery, studio and computer room is understated in its high quality. Another studio, still under construction, will complement the whole with a changing room, bathroom and toilet, and equipment room.

“We are professionals. I would like to show my creations in an international-standard gallery,” U Zaw Min Yu said. “This gallery is proof that I always do my best in my work,” he said.

He said he was glad to have had the opportunity to share his precious experience in the gallery that gives form to his dream.