Rangoon’s Best Contemporary Art Galleries
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Burmese art, largely unaffected by global trends, is truly representative of the country’s landscape and people. Under the military junta, artists carried on quietly, producing bold works of richness and color, but generally avoiding the political. Now, under a new political system, the contemporary art scene is starting to stretch its wings. Here are ten Rangoon galleries where the city’s creativity is flourishing.
New Zero Art Space
New Zero Art Space is notable for being Burma’s first non-profit art space, dedicated to developing and promoting the next generation of Burmese artists. It first opened in 2008 as a home for the New Zero artists’ collective, who had been exhibiting together since 1990. Later, a studio was added to the space, as well as an art library, which covers the history of Burmese art movements. Alongside regular exhibitions of contemporary and multimedia art from both local and international artists, New Zero also runs seminars and free art classes for children and adults. With its hosting of festivals such as The International Multimedia Art Festival in 2012, and its residency scheme for artists from around the world, New Zero is not only a place for local artists to meet and work. It also acts as a hub for cultural exchange and engagement, and an exciting place to discover Burma’s fledgling experimental arts scene.
New Zero Art Space, 202 United Condo, Alanpya Phayar Road, Dagon Township, Rangoon, Burma, +95 (0)9 73129520
1. New Treasure Art Gallery
Art Gallery
2. Pansodan Art Gallery
Art Gallery
3. Inya Art Gallery
Art Gallery
Anawmar Art Gallery
Anawmar Gallery represents the best of old and new in Burmese art. There are around 200 paintings on show, stretching back from the early 20th century up until the contemporary art of today, with some heavyweight artists on show. The gallery was founded by well-known artist Nay Myo Say, who has a room dedicated to his work. His paintings incorporate both traditional Buddhist and Burmese elements with abstract and modern features, using bright colors to highlight his subtle themes.
Anawmar Art Gallery, 18A Thukhawaddy Road, Sooniram Park, Yankin Township, Burma.
4. Nawaday Tharlar Art Gallery
Art Gallery
![Nawaday Tharlar Gallery, Rangoon](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/56-231159-nawaday-tharlar.webp)
Lokanat Galleries
Established in 1971 with the motto ‘Truth, Beauty, Love’, Lokanat Galleries could well be Burma’s longest-running gallery. It is a non-profit organisation with a long heritage of promoting local contemporary and classical art. Starting with nine member artists, the gallery now represents the work of 21 local artists. There are two halls, one showing a small collection of traditional art, the other exhibiting new shows every few months. The Lokanat Galleries’ reach also extends beyond its own walls, as it works with embassies and the UN, and hosts competitions and book fairs. Significantly, it was also the first gallery to obtain official permission to hold performance art and installations.
Lokanat Galleries, 62, 1st Floor, Pansodan Street, Kyauktada Township., Rangoon, Burma, +95 (0)1 382269