Inconvenience of expression in Myanmar

This project will reconsider the freedom of expression in Myanmar (and extended to Asian countries) while focusing on the female image of Myanmar by examining ways of expression activities of individual artists under the current difficult situation. It also mentions gender imbalances in Japan and attempts to open a circuit for discussions on “common issues” as ”the ones concerned” in Japan and Myanmar. This project expands these questions to various fields while deepening discussions, starting from residency production + interviews with Burmese artists, holding exhibitions, and symposiums (hybrid  of online + at venues).　>>>

How do we communicate when we are immediately banned from expressing our identities?

The puzzling question was imaginative, but it did happen. There have been identities

in Burmese history that could not be described as “ anonymous” or “unnamed”. The Coup d’état in Feb 2021 transformed the third generations to study and survive as anonymous. This is exactly what happened in Myanmar at 2022, Now. More than 50% of Myanmar’s population is women. A large number of women were actively involved in this revolution. The first protester to be shot (Mya Thwet Thwet Khaing) was also a woman. We had very difficult time. One of us, who had been imprisoned before, was able to disguise her “work of art” and “artist name” and stay away from torture to death. We still have to remain anonymous in order to survive. We try. We want to try. Read what we have to say without knowing who we are. Let you hear. Despite the restrictions on disclosure, we still have a lot to talk about. We are happy to show you the fearlessness.

Longgyiロンジ（sarong for women) is important in politics. Conversations is killing like a thorn in the side. The female icon is a great recognition for the masses of women who have resisted national reconstruction. You will find it from the artists who want to remain anonymous. The relationship between human life, death and QR codes; One of the things the exhibition want artists/Burmese people to know is the responsibilities of the country on our shoulders, which we always carry on, make us feel overwhelmed, even if we are an anonymous artists. We worried and scared to use to stay with fear. Fear coexists with day-to-day affairs. We were ordered to kill protesters, poet and street photographer have been tortured to death, filmmaker arrested, burn down people alive, fired to the villages until yesterday and today. COVID-19 and Coup d’état  hit the thousands of lives away after 16^th months of Junta. We fear that we will lose our loved ones. Today, our citizen are swallowing the freedom to laugh and be happy.

In the days when we had to run and hide, people in our country are running out of art they create. Things to talk about are spreading like blood all over the body. We were anonymous and did not want to be named. We speak out with what we have, what we does in our hands. Didn’t we marvel at the strength of anonymity as justice and emphatic as the world’s top secret anonymous hacker group boldly joined to stop wars? Anonymous hackers have been active in Russia, Calling for an immediately end to hostilities on Russia’s main military control website. The definition of anonymous was used by many criminals, but now it has changed dramatically.

Anonymous Woman 0 (Co-curator)

@Fukuoka

Myanmar Lahpet-talk!  ~ I will introduce my friends~

Otsuka, who believes that making friends will lead to world peace, will be the host, and she would like to introduce her friends while entertaining at Lahpet. From talking about Burmese their culture to experiences in Myanmar, we will talk interactively with you.

 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　*Laphet is fermented tea leaves regarded as a national delicacy of Myanmer

Performance + After-Talk

A live performance  by one of the exhibiting artist who is staying in Fukuoka. Her live performance artwork may reflect upon the current situation in Myanmar. After the performance, we plan to have an after-talk with the artists and guests.