THE EAST GALLERY PRESENTS: BURMA – THESE DAYS

[Image credits, clockwise from top left:
Maung Aw: Turban Kid (7); Oil on canvas; 2012;
Yan Naing Tun: Waiting For ...; Acrylic on canvas; 2012
Maung Aw: Private Moment (2); Oil on canvas; 2012
Saw Lin Aung: Calm Morning; Acrylic on canvas; 2012
Zaw Win Pe: Untitled; Oil on canvas; 2012]

Since pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest in late 2010, one of the world's most repressive regimes has started to implement long-awaited reforms.

Despite repression and decades of isolation, the Burmese art scene has quietly flourished over the years. The international art world has started to take notice of the small but vibrant contemporary art scene in the Southeast Asian country, also known as Myanmar.

The show: BURMA – THESE DAYS will feature the latest works by four of the leading artists working in Burma today. Ranging from dramatic portraiture and fiery impressionistic landscapes to photo-realistic waterscapes and atmospheric depictions of every-day life, this survey show illustrates the scope, creativity and technical skill that the Burmese art scene has become renowned for.

Artists: ♦ Maung Aw          ♦ Saw Lin Aung

              ♦ Zaw Win Pe       ♦ Yan Naing Tun

Burma – These Days is The East Gallery's seventh exhibition over the last 12 months and its first in its new permanent space at 334 Dundas Street West.

The East Gallery is the only exhibition space in the city that focuses exclusively on contemporary Asian art. Our mission is to provide Canadians with a window onto the exciting art scenes of East and Southeast Asia.

The East Gallery holds special events, including author's readings, film nights and guest lectures, in order to provide visitors with a greater understanding of the cultural, historical and social context of the art and artists we are presenting.

Art lovers can keep up-to-date on the latest trends and happenings in the contemporary Asian art world through The East Gallery's regular updates on Facebook and Twitter.


The East Gallery, 334 Dundas Street W., Toronto
(across from the AGO). Open Mon. – Sun. 9 am to 11pm

Exhibition Dates: July 3 – August 6, 2012

Gallery and Exhibition Opening Reception – All Welcome
                     Wed., July 4, 6 -10pm

For more information please contact:
     Andrew FitzGerald, Director, The East Gallery
     Tel: 416-705-4331
      email: info@theeastgallery.com

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Exhibition Special Events
First Canadian showings of new documentary:
"They call it Myanmar"

The East Gallery is proud to host the first showings in Canada of the critically acclaimed new documentary "They Call it Myanmar".

Shot clandestinely over a 2-year period by best-selling U.S. filmmaker, novelist and Cornell professor Robert H. Lieberman, the film provides a rare look at the second-most isolated country on the planet. It lifts the curtain to expose the everyday life in a country that has been held in the iron grip of a brutal military regime for 48 years.

The East Gallery holds special events, including author's readings, film nights and guest lectures, in order to provide visitors with a greater understanding of the cultural, historical and social context of the art and artists we are presenting.

Venue: The East Gallery, 334 Dundas Street West, Toronto
First showing: Thursday, July 12, 8 pm
Note that there is limited seating - please reserve free tickets online: http://theycallitmyanmar.eventbrite.com/

Second showing: Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 8 pm
Note that there is limited seating - please reserve free tickets online: http://theycallitmyanmar2.eventbrite.com/


Praise for "They call it Myanmar"

"They Call It Myanmar" is a thing of beauty... a documentary with all the virtues of a great feature film; its cinematography, music and contemplative words make it... a hymn to a land that has grown out of the oldest cultures in Asia."
-Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times

"Filmmakers capture Myanmar."
-New York Times

"With Myanmar on the verge of truly opening up, the best possible introduction is likely Robert H. Lieberman's film, "They Call It Myanmar."
-Washington Times

"The striking beauty of the country; the people; the decayed infrastructure; the extreme poverty; archival footage; an interview with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi; Robert H. Lieberman has put together a collage of voices sounds and images. A labor of love."
-BBC World News