RANGOON — An art exhibition to honor Burma’s independence hero was not originally scheduled to open on the anniversary of his death.
“It was a coincidence!” said Nan New, manager of Ahla Thit gallery in Rangoon, which is honoring Gen. Aung San by showing about 70 portraits of him starting on Saturday, exactly 67 years after he was assassinated by a political rival.
The manager said the exhibition was originally scheduled to open on Aung San’s birthday, Feb. 13.
“We faced some difficulties at that time. But we could make it happen now,” he told The Irrawaddy.
Aung San, the father of Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, is one of the most respected historical figures in Burma, known for his leadership in Burma’s struggle for independence from the British. A founding member of the Burma Army, he was gunned down along with six cabinet ministers and two other officials on July 19, 1947, in Rangoon.
“The art exhibition is a tribute to our leader by artists,” Nan New said.
Thirty-six painters who worked in acrylic, oil, water-color and mixed medium contributed to the exhibition.
“Bogyoke is Our Father” is open to the public at Ahla Thit Art Gallery (No.17, University Avenue, Bahan Township, Rangoon) from July 19-30.
