The violation of human rights has been a prevailing issue in Myanmar for decades. Many regions, such as Kachin, Karen, and Rakhine States, have suffered armed conflicts and ongoing violence for generations. The Rohingya crisis, which peaked in 2017 and led to a million refugees, as well as the 2021 military coup further fueled the violence and human rights violations. This exhibition addresses accountability as a key element of the Myanmar human rights’ agenda. Although accountability is currently an aspiration, it is nevertheless grounded on the collective desire for the protection of human rights.
With these in mind, the artists that are part of this exhibition were given the task to imagine and explore the process of holding individual human rights violators responsible for their actions. The exhibition asks how do truths/facts manifest in a future Myanmar? What injustices would be addressed first? How would the future be different if both truths and accountability existed? By using the lenses of contemporary art, the artworks presented attempt to answer these important and difficult questions, encouraging people to see, think, and act in innovative ways to get to the goal of a future accountability
The violation of human rights has been a prevailing issue in Myanmar for decades. Many regions, such as Kachin, Karen, and Rakhine States, have suffered armed conflicts and ongoing violence for generations. The Rohingya crisis, which peaked in 2017 and led to a million refugees, as well as the 2021 military coup further fueled the violence and human rights violations. This exhibition addresses accountability as a key element of the Myanmar human rights’ agenda. Although accountability is currently an aspiration, it is nevertheless grounded on the collective desire for the protection of human rights.
With these in mind, the artists that are part of this exhibition were given the task to imagine and explore the process of holding individual human rights violators responsible for their actions. The exhibition asks how do truths/facts manifest in a future Myanmar? What injustices would be addressed first? How would the future be different if both truths and accountability existed? By using the lenses of contemporary art, the artworks presented attempt to answer these important and difficult questions, encouraging people to see, think, and act in innovative ways to get to the goal of a future accountability
Artistic developments can be likened to wildflowers struggling to emerge from oppressive authoritarian regimes. Despite the challenges faced, Burmese art, encompassing literature, poetry, painting, music, and contemporary dance, has flourished in recent years. Amidst the haunting political events, we present the responses of Burmese artists who seize limited opportunities to express themselves. This exhibition showcases the beauty and courage of these "wildflowers." However, due to concerns for their safety and that of their families, the location and names of the artists remain undisclosed. The literature and visual arts on display reflect the lives people have endured during the past three years, marked by difficulties and dangerous atmospheres. Visitors to this exhibition will be able to explore the struggle against injustice from the unique perspective of art.
The Hidden Diaries Online Exhibition is a collaborative effort curated by Article X and Doh Hlay.
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Inspired by the complex emotions experienced in their escape from Yangon across the Thai border with the help of human traffickers, this live performance explores the tension between the two forces influencing the artist’s journey — Dhamma, cosmic law and order, and Adhamma, cosmic injustice and disorder.
As our conclusive piece, we invite the viewer to take a few moments to participate in this piece: to listen, to meditate and to ponder.
