Myanmar
Soe Naing is one of the new generation contemporary artists. His paintings record his responses to the way of life in Myanmar now. He uses naif images of people, animals and also local mythical creatures in bright colours to conjure scenes of everyday suburban life. His commentary on the environment around him is seen in the emotional and expressionistic fibre of his painting.
Inspired by Chagall and De Kooning, his mentor in Burma (Myanmar) is Aung Myint, who actually works in an abstract expressionist style. He began learning watercolour under U Thein Han, who passed away shortly after lessons began. Having started only on colour theory, the young painter began to learn on his own, observing other painters and keeping an eye, wherever possible on modern painting developments in other parts of the world.
Soe Naing's paintings are fresh, innovative, and uninhibited as he works a personal tale across his canvas. He has had two solo exhibitions of his work in Yangon, in 1994, and 1996, as well as exhibiting in group shows. He has shown twice in Singapore in three-man exhibitions. Apart from painting and drawing he also makes small clay sculptures.
Born in 1961 in Yangon, Myanmar, (Burma).
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Early 1980s: Studied painting under U Lun Gywe and U Thein Han
1985: Graduated from University of Rangoon with Bachelor of Science (Zoology)
EXHIBITIONS IN MYANMAR
1994 First solo exhibition, Olive Gallery, Yangon
1995 Solo exhibition, Lokanat Gallery, Yangon
1996 Solo exhibition, Lokanat Gallery, Yangon
1997 Solo exhibition, Lokanat Gallery, Yangon
1999 Solo exhibition, Inya Gallery, Yangon
1999 Solo exhibition, Mr. Guitar Cafe/ nm Gallery, Yangon
2000 Solo exhibition, Ivy Gallery, Yangon
2001 Solo exhibition, artist Nan Nan's studio, Yangon
2002 Solo exhibition, Silver Oak Cafe, Yangon
2003 'A Little Human' exhibition; Artist-in-Residence project, NICA gallery, Yangon
2003 Solo exhibition, A.Z.L.A. Gallery, Yangon
2004 'Excellent Lines' solo exhibition, A.Z.L.A Gallery, Yangon