ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Myanmar has been scarred by cycles of socio-political upheaval and struggle, recurring with haunting regularity. Protracted military rule, pro-democracy uprisings, ethnic conflict and, now, an ongoing civil war are foregrounded in the narrative of the country’s post-independence history. Just like this, again this time: Paintings from Myanmar draws from Singapore Management University’s collection of Burmese works dating from recent decades, a period that marks an important moment of change for the country. The exhibition conveys the sense of a land enmeshed in both traditional lifeworlds as well as cyclical unrest, where history refuses to move forward in a straight line. It is a meditation on Myanmar’s historical rhythm – a visual testimony to the ways in which collective memory and lived experience continually circle back, insisting on being seen and remembered.

Paintings by artists such as MPP Yei Myint, Htein Lin, Aung Ko and Zwe Mon embody the spirit of the titular poem, the opening lines of which read: “Just like this, again this time/I've escaped from death/I've crumpled and conked out/But I get up and dust myself off.” These works constitute a visual chorus that both laments and resists, offering viewers a way to feel the weight of Myanmar’s past, all too present in the here and now.

The exhibiting artists are Aung Ko, Aung Soe Min, Ba Khine, Brang Li, Han Tin Swe, Hla Pa, Htein Lin, Kin Maung Yin, Lwin Oo Maung, Maw Thu Da Nu, Min Kyaw Swar, Min Wae Aung, MPP Yei Myint, Myint Soe, Pho Tun, Soe Yu Nwe, Shwe Thein, Zwe Mon, Zwe Yan Naing. This exhibition is curated by Louis Ho.

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Opening: 23 Jan, Fri, 6pm-9pm
Dates: 24 Jan - 1 Mar 2026
Venue: SMU de Suantio Gallery, 90 Stamford Road, Singapore 178903
Hours: Wed-Sat: 12pm-7pm | Sun: 12pm-5pm | Closed on Mon & Tue | Closed on 18 Feb

PROGRAMMES BY SMU MYANMAR COMMUNITY

BINGO!
23 Jan - 22 Feb
Take a closer look at the artworks and complete a row on a specially made bingo sheet. Exchange your completed scorecards for a snack.

Poetry Atelier
28 Jan, Wed
4pm - 8pm
You are invited to create prompts around the themes of love, family, belonging or life. Poets from the SMU Myanmar Community will there write a short poem in both Burmese and English.

About the SMU Myanmar Community
SMU Myanmar Community was initiated with the vision to be the representative body to promote the cultural identity of Myanmar at SMU. Through cultural showcases, interactive workshops, community-building initiatives, and collaborative events, SMU Myanmar Community brings people together to celebrate and explore Myanmar’s culture, cuisine, and traditions. Follow us on Instagram @smu_mc.