Little Wonders in Watercolor

Little Wonders in Watercolor presents a focused exploration of Myanmar’s watercolor tradition, spanning from the early 20th century to the present. The exhibition situates watercolor as both an intimate and enduring medium, one that has continually bridged artistic practice across generations.

The lineage begins with Sayar Saung (1898–1952), widely recognized as a foundational figure in modern Myanmar watercolor. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the practices of subsequent masters such as Sayar Kyaw and U Lu Tin. Their works established watercolor not merely as a medium of technical refinement, but as a vehicle for cultural expression and aesthetic inquiry.

Alongside these canonical figures, the exhibition also foregrounds the contributions of contemporary artists who reinterpret watercolor through new sensibilities. Their works demonstrate how the medium, while modest in scale, remains expansive in its capacity to reflect shifting artistic vocabularies and contemporary concerns.

By presenting small-format works, “Little Wonders in Watercolor” underscores the medium’s unique qualities: the precision of gesture, the luminosity of pigment, and the subtle interplay between control and chance. Collectively, these works invite a reconsideration of watercolor’s role within Myanmar’s modern and contemporary art history—not as minor studies, but as complete and compelling articulations of artistic vision.

- Myo Min Oo (Founder, Atomic Art Space