Despite his slight build, Soe Naing’s appetite for art is quite grand. While art fans are still enjoying his oil lamp installation at “Seven Decades” art exhibition in Yangon’s Secretariat, he is showcasing another exhibition. His oil lamp installation, which has neither burner nor wick, has fascinated many exhibition-goers as it reflects the country’s irregular electricity supply.
The prolific artist has rolled out “Printed Painting,” which will be on display through Thursday at OK Art Gallery in Aung San Stadium.
Paintings at this exhibition reflect nothing. Soe Naing did not even use canvas or brushes to make them. He only used turpentine and oils, and sketched figures on glass. He then pressed colored paper onto the glass to create what he calls “printed paintings.”
“I’ve exhibited this type of work at exhibitions since 1994. I lectured on this technique at a private school last month. Then I had the urge to make more, so I did. But this is the first time I’ve showcased this type of painting at a solo exhibition,” said Soe Naing.
The artist is known for his abstract depictions of humans, dogs, cats, horses and such. As he used colored paper instead of paint, viewers will get a fresh taste of his work.
“Because glass is smoother (than canvas), I could sketch more quickly. On regular canvas, brushwork can’t be that swift. Drawing these paintings refreshed my mind; it was so much fun, so satisfying,” said Soe Naing.
More than 100 paintings are on display at the exhibition and are available for prices from 10,000 to 15,000 kyats.
Regarding the printed paintings of Soe Naing, veteran modernist Maung Di said, “I like everything he creates—paintings, sculptures and anything else.”
Soe Naing has held more than 20 solo art exhibitions and is also a regular participant in modernist group art exhibitions.
