Following the first display in Bangkok titled “Thread Under Threat: Myanmar Women Out of the 3-Year Coup Shadow,” the exhibition in Chiang Mai will be held under the name “Thread Under Threat: Invincible Myanmar Women Who Dare!” from 8 to 27 March 2024 at the Baan Tuek Art Center. The exhibition is organized by the Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD), Thanakha International Gender Tekkatho and SEA Junction.

Well-known Myanmar artist Chuu Wai’s solo exhibition is born out of solidarity with the opposition movement in Myanmar that has been fighting for democracy since the coup d’état led by General Min Aung Hlaing on 1 February 2021. It resonates with the resilience of the people of Myanmar, especially the women among them. For three years now, Myanmar people have been demanding the restoration of democracy and the rule of law and the release of the imprisoned leaders and all other political in spite of the military’s use of lethal force. As of February 2024, 4,572 people are confirmed killed by the junta and a total of 26,171 people have been arrested, with 20,166 currently detained including more than 5,000 women. The number of displaced people in the country and across borders is over 2 million and growing. Amidst the failure of the international community to pay attention and take action, people are not giving up, continuing their support for the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) in exile and counting on their steadfast opposition and the armed resistance by the People Defence Force and the Ethnic Armies gaining ground to eventually win the revolution.

The exhibition displays the powerful portrayal of women figures in Chuu Wai’s paintings celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March. The paintings with mixed material shine a spotlight on the strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit of women who have stood against the oppressive forces of both patriarchal and authoritarian values. These figures become symbols of defiance, challenging preconceptions and inspiring a movement towards a more just and democratic society.

More generally, the artworks radiate the resilient spirit and unique culture of Myanmar as a resource to draw upon in the current context. Utilizing handwoven fabric, vintage photos, and newspaper clippings, the exhibition celebrates the country’s uniqueness while also unveiling and challenging the complex tapestry meticulously woven by those in power through education, religion, and traditional normative systems directed at perpetuating an authoritarian and patriarchal system, which people are set to change.