BIOGRAPHY
Htoo Aung Kyaw, born in 1978 in Kyaukpadaung, a small town next the ancient city of Bagan, (Myanmar). He began to paint when he was young. After completing his studies in philosophy at the University he is pursuing his education in the arts by attending the State School of Fine Art in Yangon. Its decision to pursue the art trail has been criticized by friends and family, because in Myanmar artists have to work hard to get three meals a day. Htoo has pursued his passion without hesitation, aware of their difficulties. Htoo is fond of history (particularly that of the Pyu civilization dating back to an ancient time before Bagan), Philosophy and Poetry. In the past, he wrote poems, articles and novels for magazines. His research focuses on the reading of symbols, such as images Pyu era and ancient Asian philosophy, who return often in his paintings. The artist’s work is inspired by the pure Abstract Expressionism and makes use of the assembly technique. Finally Htoo has worked as an art teacher in the New Zero Art Space Gallery (2008 – 2011) and wrote for Pansodan Art & Culture Journal. He lives in Yangon with his family, where he continued to produce works of art in his art studio.
WORK
Description of the work by the artist: “I started this painting in my small town and then I come to Yangon. When I arrive Yangon, The situation between my town and city are very different. In my town is very quiet and cool but in Yangon is not and it is also difficult to get fresh air to breath. I feel I was asphyxiated. According to my feeling, my paintings become to many color and no space free. Moreover, I use some realistic image from my town that mean opposite and different situation and fact. So I titled this painting Asphyxiation“. Acrilyc, 122 x 122 cm, 2014.
