Sawangwongse Yawnghwe

Sawangwongse Yawnghwe is an acclaimed artist whose work offers a unique perspective on his personal experiences as a member of the Shan ethnic minority and the socio-political realities of Myanmar.

Biography and Artistic Background of Sawangwongse Yawnghwe

Sawangwongse Yawnghwe was born in a rebel-controlled corner of Shan State in 1971. His grandfather, Sao Shwe Thaik, was the first president of independent Burma. However, following his grandfather's assassination by the Burmese military dictatorship, his dad fled to the Shan Hills and helped to establish the Shan State Army. In 1971, when Sawangwongse Yawnghwe was born, his family emigrated to Thailand. Later, when he was 13 years old, his family relocated to Canada.

From his early childhood days of drawing in Thailand to his formal art education in Vancouver and Montreal, Yawnghwe's art became a sanctuary, allowing him to express his experiences and navigate the complexities of his heritage. He found mentorship and inspiration from Heinrich Nicolaus, who invited him to work in his studio in Tuscany, Italy, leading to a transformative artistic collaboration.

Looking back, Yawnghwe reflects, “I think my exile was traumatic. Not only my exile in Thailand but the fact that people were getting killed in Chiang Mai. I remember that one of my dad’s comrades, an ex-Shan State Army officer, was assassinated when I was 11 or 12. My way of dealing with it was shutting it all off. Art was my sanctuary.”

Sawangwongse Yawnghwe's Art Style

Yawnghwe's artistic practice encompasses various mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, and performance art. His works often incorporate traditional Shan motifs, symbols, and materials, merging them with contemporary artistic techniques and concepts. Through his art, Yawnghwe explores themes of displacement, cultural preservation, political activism, and the search for identity.

Currently residing in the Netherlands, Yawnghwe critiques the dominant narratives surrounding Burma by presenting a personal, fictive counter-history through his works. He employs the concept of a fictional museum and explores the feature of suppression, delving into what lies beneath the surface and what remains hidden.

Recognition and Impact

Sawangwongse Yawnghwe's artistic talent has garnered international acclaim. His works have been exhibited in various galleries and institutions, including the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven, and MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum in Chiang Mai. He has participated in renowned exhibitions such as the Thailand Biennale, Singapore Biennale, Kathmandu Triennale, and Dhaka Art Summit.