RANGOON — Visitors to “Myanmar Nats on Canvas,” an art show that kicks off in Rangoon this weekend, can expect to see something different.
The subjects of the show are quite contrary to what most Burmese artists set their brushes to depicting. As the name suggests, the exhibition will showcase portraits of popular lords and ladies of a Burmese folk religion that centers around spirits known as nats.
Despite occupying a space outside of mainstream religions in Burma, nats have enjoyed a centuries-old popularity among the Burmese. They are believed to have special powers to protect when properly propitiated, and conversely can destroy humans when offended or ignored. Most popular are a group collectively called “The 37,” made up of the spirits of human beings who died violent deaths after leading prominent lives as kings, queens or generals.
The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday at downtown Rangoon’s Pansodan Scene art gallery, showcasing more than 40 acrylic paintings by Burmese artist Aung Khaing.
Enjoying an artistic freedom characterized bold and colorful brush strokes in expressionist and semi-abstract styles, the 69-year-old painter portrays each of The 37, many of which play an important role in believers’ lives across Burma even today.
“I don’t know whether they really exist or not, but you can’t deny the fact that we have a very long nat-worshipping tradition here,” said the artist.
“So when I painted them, I was somewhere between believer and non-believer,” he added.
Among the nat paintings, with price tags ranging from US$300 to $800, visitors will see a portrait of the brothers known as Shwe Pyin Nyi Naung, or Min Gyi and Min Lay, who attract tens of thousands of worshippers annually to their dedicated shrine at Taung Pyone village in Mandalay.
Another standout is the painting of a boozy-eyed gentleman who, with cigarette drooping from his lips, cuddles a chicken. Popularly known by his deity name Min Kyaw Zwa or Ko Gyi Kyaw (Big Brother Kyaw), legend has it that the mustachioed man was notorious for his love of drinking and gambling. On the gambling front, cockfighting, to be specific.
“Nat worshipping is part of our culture and we just want to introduce it to the outside world through artwork,” said Yan Naung Oo of the Culture Bridge Gallery, which helped organize “Myanmar Nats on Canvas.”
For those wishing to learn more, a pictorial book featuring the show’s paintings and short introductions in Burmese and English on each nat will be available for sale at the show.
“Myanmar Nats on Canvas”
Pansodan Scene, No. 144, Pansodan Street (Middle Block)
Kyauktada Township, Rangoon
From Sept. 20 to 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
