Chuu Wai
Figurative
Assemblage
Collage
Born and raised in Myanmar and now living in exile in Paris, my art embodies inherent honesty and cultural endurance. My artistic impulse emerged after a sexual harassment incident on the streets of Myanmar at the age of 18. Triggering from this traumatic event was a series of works with many layers which both conceal and reveal. My work in fine art is deeply intertwined with contemporary social struggles, particularly in highlighting previously obscured cultures and perspectives. Central to my artistic exploration is the social position of women, which I address through a diverse range of media including paint, fabric, text, and vintage photographs.
In my exploration of Myanmar’s rich cultural tapestry, fabric emerges as a powerful symbol—a connecting thread that weaves together history, culture, ethnicity, and religion. In Myanmar, fabric has long served as a means to encase traditional notions of femininity. However, it has also become a site of social struggle, where resistance to both military and patriarchal power is gaining momentum. My paintings reflect this duality, portraying the ongoing struggle as fabric becomes not just material, but a battleground for identity and freedom.
The theme "Foreigners Everywhere" mirrors my journey into exile after the coup in Myanmar. Forced to flee due to the dangers posed by my outspoken art, I became a foreigner, disconnected from my homeland but carrying its struggles with me. My work now reflects the experience of displacement, amplifying the voices of those who resist oppression and underscoring the resilience of identity even in the face of forced exile.
I see my art as part of that evolution, which has resulted in more than 30 national and international exhibitions in London, Berlin, Paris, Luxembourg, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Canberra, Yangon and Mandalay.
Within the past few years, my artwork has been featured in BBC, Time Magazine, LSE (London School of Economics and Political science), Frontier Myanmar, Voice of America, and many more.
I completed a Bachelor’s in Engineering with Information Technology in 2014 and a degree in Fine Art in 2015, both in Myanmar, followed by a Diploma in 3D Game Character Modeling in 2024 in Vancouver, Canada.
Representation
I am currently not represented by any gallery or institution.
Package selection
As an artist from the WIA Biennale, I received an invitation via email to apply for this collaboration. Based on
this, I am applying under the package offered specifically for artists from the WIA Biennale community.
Within the depths of my heart, i carry yours
This artwork is a poignant exploration of identity and displacement, crafted on traditional Myanmar handwoven fabric. This artwork features a female figure whose skin and personal identity are overlaid with collages of old photographs, creating a dynamic interplay between the visible and the concealed. The use of acrylic paint on handwoven fabric not only pays homage to Myanmar’s rich textile tradition but also symbolizes the intricate layers of personal and collective identity.
The piece reflects the theme "Foreigners Everywhere" by addressing the experiences of women who are displaced or marginalized due to sociopolitical conflicts. The collaged photographs represent fragments of history and memory, echoing the dislocation and redefinition of identity faced by many who are forced to leave their homes. Through this artwork, I aim to illuminate the often-overlooked narratives of these women, portraying their resilience and the evolving nature of their identities amidst upheaval.
This work speaks to the broader experience of being a foreigner, where one's identity is constantly redefined by external forces and internal struggles.
