FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEGreat Contemporary Art from MyanmarContacts: Jacquelyn Suter CHIANG MAI, Thailand – March 2006. Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, and Gold Leaf are presenting an extraordinary selection of 16 of the top contemporary artists in Myanmar, comprising a total of 50 works. The exhibition will begin with an ‘invitation only’ preview opening on Friday, April 7 at 7:00 pm at the Dhara Dhevi Gallery, Kad Dhara. The opening will be preceded by a special digital presentation at 6:00pm in the resort’s Jum Sri Hall Library. This exhibition, which will be open to the public from April 8th through May 31, is one of the largest showings of contemporary Myanmar art in one venue in Thailand. The works range from acrylic on canvas, collage, pastel on paper, to the most cutting edge digital mixed and manipulated photography being done in Myanmar today. Gold Leaf founder, Jacquelyn Suter, says that “Gold Leaf is not a gallery nor a business – it is a project with the aim of bringing Myanmar’s top contemporary artists to the attention of an international audience.” As a travel writer with lifelong interest and study in contemporary art, Ms. Suter had traveled in Myanmar a number of times before she became aware that the country had exceptional contemporary art that was getting some exposure in Hong Kong and Singapore, but rarely anywhere else. “It seems that the art world is now most keen on the work coming from China, Vietnam, and Thailand – and rightly so – but my feeling is that the exceptional work being done in Myanmar is being ignored, both in press coverage and in exhibition opportunities. I want to change that.” Gold Leaf was founded this year in order to promote Myanmar artists to the American and European art world. In addition to promotion, Gold Leaf aims to assist the continuing art education of current and young emerging artists by bringing to their attention exhibitions, competitions, and grants for their consideration. “Because Myanmar is much more isolated in terms of access to worldwide art information than other Asian countries,” Ms. Suter comments, “I found that I could help by filling this gap with my own access, knowledge, and communication links.” Gold Leaf has also created an avenue for the general public to assist artists. The ‘Friends of Myanmar Artists’ project provides an opportunity for people to select and buy art books and DVD’s for the artists’ use. The American Center in Yangon (the Public Affairs section of the United States embassy in Myanmar) has generously agreed to receive all donated media into its own library and manage this project for Gold Leaf. The upcoming art exhibition at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, is the first in what the hotel plans to be an ongoing series of educational/cultural activities for its local and international guests. Mark Bradford, General Manager of the resort, stresses the importance of this stating that, “Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi showcases the craftsmanship and traditions of northern Thailand’s Lanna culture and that of the surrounding region. As a living museum with a strong cultural focus, we are keen to play a part in promoting contemporary artists and artisans and to raise awareness of their work in the local community and amongst foreign visitors to Chiang Mai.’ Bradford continues, “This exhibition of contemporary art from Myanmar offers a unique perspective on the way that Myanmar artists rooted in their culture’s age-old traditions forge a modern, hopeful and forward-looking future.” Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai’s 123 luxury villas and suites are spread over 60 acres of rice fields and natural landscapes at the heart of Chiang Mai, the capital of northern Thailand’s ancient Lanna kingdom. The resort boasts world class facilities that include The Dheva Spa and Ayurvedic Centre, health and fitness centre, a variety of fine dining options, Kad Dhara Shopping Village, The Oriental Culinary Academy, a Library and Kids Club as well as a unique program of cultural events and offerings throughout the year. Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai |
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