“Reincarceration” returns to the nucleus of Htein Lin’s vision: the pernicious operations of state-sponsored power, and the myriad ways in which individuals survive its depredations. In 2022, the Myanmar artist found himself back in prison, this time as collateral damage in the military government’s targeting of his wife, Vicky Bowman, a former British ambassador to the country working to promote responsible business. Both were sentenced to a year for alleged immigration offenses. Released after three months, Htein Lin’s most recent incarceration follows his early experiences as a political prisoner in the late 1990s when he spent more than six years behind bars. The present show, composed of works spanning the decades between the two periods, is a reflection of the broader struggle for liberty and human rights in Myanmar, the travails of a lone individual speaking to the collective tribulations of his people in the wake of the military coup in 2021.
“Reincarceration” is a poignant testament to Htein Lin’s enduring commitment to bearing witness and giving voice to the struggles of his homeland. Through this exhibition, visitors will be invited to engage with a powerful narrative of resilience, resistance, and the universal pursuit of freedom.
Venue: Richard Koh Fine Art, Blk 47 Malan Rd, #01-26 Gillman Barracks, Singapore 109444
When: 13 - 27 Jan 2024, 10am - 7pm Tue–Sat
