Art is happening in Myanmar, and outside of it: transnational solidarity art

Abstract

This article examines a form of activism in Myanmar that emerged after the 2021 coup: solidarity art, wherein art is sold overseas and the proceeds returned to the artists that produced it. Myanmar’s solidarity art demonstrates a new version of the phenomenon, where digital transmission replaces older modes of distribution, and the artwork is displayed publicly. While artwork of this nature may be useful, it requires interrogation because of the potential for imbalance between the producer and consumer – in this case between the Global South and the Global North. In this article, I review critiques of this art and its well-intentioned siblings, humanitarianism and advocacy. I then identify three elements of Myanmar’s transnational solidarity art that mitigate concerns about potential North/South imbalances – multiple transnationalisms, collective self-representation, and resource reciprocity. This newest form of solidary art, I conclude, can play a generative role in supporting transnational human rights activism.