Htein Lin
Death Row
67 x 34 Vinyl housepaint on cotton 17 May 2001 Myaungmya Jail

Other people's struggle to create art can be truly humbling. Burmese artist Htein Lin, a political prisoner imprisoned for supporting the pro-democracy leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, managed to create art in absolutely dire circumstances. Three years after his release, the paintings and drawings that he managed to smuggle out of a harsh Burmese prison are being exhibited in Asia House in London.

Htein Lin
Biology of Art
18 October 1999, Mandalay Jail, mixed media on cotton shirt 21 in x 21 in

I find his story incredibly inspiring:

"The death row prisoners, though tough and not the least bit aware of art, wanted to help him. “They wanted to participate in something. They felt, ‘Before our death, we can help this artist.’ ” So the men on death row willingly gave him their sarongs that were their only form of dress and served as Mr. Htein Lin’s staple canvas.

The prisoners would then be left naked because sarongs were only issued every six months. “They would sit there naked, but they were very difficult to punish,” Mr. Htein Lin said. So the prison guards would give in and issue new sarongs, ensuring a future supply for the clandestine artist."

Read the rest of this excellent and moving article at The New York Times.*

* You may have to register.