Myanmese artist passionate about the fruit of her labour
While the rest of the city was getting smoochy on Thursday, the Asia Fine Art gallery took a more artistic approach to the flowers and romance of Valentine's Day. It hosted the opening of Myanmese painter Aye Nyein Myint's exhibition, Valentine de la Vie (The Passion of Life), a collection of sensual canvasses of bright colourful flowers and juicy fresh fruit.
'We chose Valentine's Day to open my first solo exhibition outside Myanmar because my painting style suited this very special day,' she said. 'Many people came and they were in the Valentine spirit, either on their way to eat or having just had a romantic dinner.
'I like nature and wildlife. At this moment I like to paint strawberries, pears and pansies. I particularly like their colours and textures.'
Don't expect any political metaphors or references in the University of Culture Yangon graduate's still-life drawings. The Myanmar-born artist emphasised that she keeps her art very separate from the politics of the military dictatorship back home. Since she still lives there, it's understandable Aye Nyein Myint doesn't want to address the topic too much.
'I live in Yangon and this is my first trip outside Myanmar. I normally travel within the country to paint and get new ideas for our works,' she says. 'I just want to paint and paint, be at one with nature and follow my passion to express myself better and better. True artists do not get involved in politics and government things.'
Tell that to Pablo Picasso about his Guernica painting.
Aye Nyein Myint's exhibition continues until March 12. The Asia Fine Art Gallery is at Sik On Street, 99 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai.
