Myanmar artists and their allies around the world are continuing to defy and document the unfolding human rights and humanitarian crisis, 100 days since the brutal military coup in February. The iconic three-fingered salute has made its way into more than 1,200 artworks featured on the Raise Three Fingers site as communities worldwide return and amplify the Myanmar people’s plea for justice and freedom.
Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe, Minister of Women, Youths and Children Affairs of the National Unity Government of Myanmar, said: “Art gives me a peaceful mind during difficult times. Whenever I go somewhere, even when I was a refugee and an IDP, I bring all of my art materials with me so I can paint. I taught IDP children how to paint as well. Without art, I wouldn’t be able to overcome this difficult situation.”
The Minister recently posted a three-finger painting in honour of those fighting the dictatorship. Nathalie Johnston, an activist who runs an art centre in Yangon, said the fight in Myanmar is one that extends beyond the geographical boundaries of one nation as an assault to democracy. “Art in global protest movements is inherently linked with expression.
Artists can create solidarity and propel political and social movements forward. By visualising intent for a free and equal society, they can channel the power of people through pictures, symbols, words and any number of mediums. In Myanmar during the first 100 days of the coup, the artists have played a pivotal role – on the streets and online.
People from countries all over the world readily identify with the plight of the people of Myanmar because the artists of Myanmar are telling the story in a visual and translatable language,” she said. Raise Three Fingers has curated three-finger salutes and a variety of protest arts from Myanmar artists and contributors from around 45 countries including the UK, the US, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, France, and Italy.
Creatives can continue to show solidarity with Myanmar by creating their own versions of the three-finger salute in their preferred medium; then share on their social media channels, tagging @raise3fingers and using the hashtags #ThreeFingers #FightWithArt #WhatsHappeninginMyanmar. Submissions are featured on Raise Three Fingers platforms, including the website www.threefingers.org.
