Celebrating Identity and Praying for Peace
Ko Z belongs to the Kachin ethnic minority who lives in the northernmost region of Myanmar. Kachin state holds an important economic place due to both its strategic location and natural resources, which include Jade, gold mines, timber and hydropower.
Since Burma’s independence in 1948, the Kachin population has endured a quasi permanent state of civil war, as well as many internal displacements of persons (IDP).
The ceasefire agreement, which was maintained from 1994 to 2011, broke down after the Myanmar military launched a surprise offensive in June 2011. Since then, 100,000 people have been displaced.
“Red Peace” is an exhibition that encompasses paintings on canvas, an installation and drawings by children living in IDP camps.
Kachin means “Red Earth” in Kachin language. With “Red Peace”, Ko Z strives not only to keep memory of the tragic history of the Kachin people but also to express his hope for peace.
Exhibition Info
@Intersections Gallery, 34 Kandahar st., Singapore
Opening night: 18 January 2018 at 7pm
in presence of the artist
19 January – 11 March 2018
A new Guernica?
Guernica refers to the Spanish civil war, likewise, Selfporary series expresses the suffering of the Kachin during the civil war in the Kachin Sate.