Red Peace by Ko Z
Red Peace by Ko Z
Celebrating Identity and Praying for PeaceKo 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.
In the Selfporary series, the dislocated bodies could have been inspired by those represented by Picasso in Guernica. However, the bright colours express the joy of life, while a fish and a dove respectively suggest the origin of life and the hope of the artist for a better future in his homeland.
In the Selfporary series, the dislocated bodies could have been inspired by those represented by Picasso in Guernica. However, the bright colours express the joy of life, while a fish and a dove respectively suggest the origin of life and the hope of the artist for a better future in his homeland.
Celebrating identity
While the background of Red Peace and Selfporary series suggests some stained glass windows or mosaics it is actually inspired by traditional Kachin patterns and thus rooted in Kachin culture and tradition.
Humour as a powerful weapon
Ko Z is a gifted artist. Internationally famous as a performance artist, he also creates stunning installations and paintings series. Following a long tradition of Burmese cartoonists, he uses humour to address political issues and to criticize the government.
During the seventeen years of ceasefire, which lasted from 1994 to 2011, the Kachin population did not get any benefit from the so-called peace. On the contrary, injustice grew, while a few war lords and cronies got richer and richer.
