I lived and worked in Myanmar from 2016-2019. In early 2021, Myanmar's military overthrew the nation's democratically elected leaders in a coup. When ordinary citizens peacefully protested, the military responded with brute force, killing hundreds of its own citizens including babies, children, and the elderly.
When artists around the world began making three finger salutes as a sign of support for the Myanmar people, I didn't immediately join in because I didn't want to make what everyone else was making. (I made a lot of drawings of protective Burmese owls instead.) However, I've always had a love of Myanmar longyi (a kind of sarong or skirt worn by men and women), many which reveal ethnic groups and regions within Myanmar based on their patterns and colors.
This three finger salute contains eight patterns in the background representing eight regions and ethnic groups found all around the country. (There are 135 official ethnic groups as well as the Rohingya who are a stateless minority.) Patterns represented in the background are from the Kachin, Mon, Karen, Naga, Bamar, Chin, Shan, and Arkan ethnic groups. This painting offers support, solidarity, and a hopeful wish for peace, safety, and better days ahead.
An easy way to show support for the people of Myanmar during this difficult time, is by wearing or displaying the three finger salute as a shirt, bag, card, mug, or sticker.
(* For high quality art prints, please visit the Paintings gallery.)