Thoe Htein

Visual Artist from Yangon, Myanmar.

Monday, October 5, 2020

Photo: The Irrawaddy

Thoe Htein: Artist Thoe Htein was born in 1980 in North Okkalapa Township, Yangon. His early life was influenced by his experience of the 1988 Protests, and in his teenage years, by his knowledge of other political protests of the 1990s. His passion for modern art was inspired by his training with Artist (U) Kin Maung Yin, who imparted much of his knowledge about theory, philosophy, and painting to Thoe Htein. Thoe Htein pursued his passion as a graphic designer in 1999, exhibiting his first group show, “Myanmar Graphic Art Show” in 2007. In 2012, Thoe Htein co-founded Art+Plug, an art platform, with his friends. Thoe Htein’s style of Pop Art draws inspiration from local artist, Phyo Kyi, and Roy Lichtenstein. For comic creations, Sergio Toppi, Frank Miller, Ashley Wood, Rufus Dayglo and Kim Jung Gi are his favorite muses. Thoe Htein’s Comic-styled Pop Art creations are based on political concepts and current affairs in Myanmar. In addition to paintings, he also creates collaborative art and art installations. His philosophy towards art is that it is not a competitive process—it is a creation driven by one’s passion.