20.05.2007
Art and the Fight for Democracy in Burma
_ By Jim Mcnalis
As a professional artist and sculptor, I read with great interest BURMA DIGEST recent issue (29/04/2007 issue) with several thoughtful and well presented articles on art.
A discussion of art in relation to the fight for democracy in Burma should include Daw Suu Kyi’s comments about the value of the artist. She has said, “I think musicians and artists have a very, very important role to play because they do tend to make a tremendous impact on the general public and in the same way I think that musicians and artists everywhere in the world are in a position to draw attention to our cause in a way which others cannot.”
Each Person Can Make a Difference
The late John F. Kennedy once said that each person can make a difference so every person must try. I think the issue here is that no matter what a person’s talents or background are, if they endeavor to speak or act in support of democracy, they will be heard and it will make a difference. We all have an obligation to use our liberty to support the liberty of the oppressed. None of us can afford to claim neutrality. Either we are part of the solution or we are part of the problem. I think of the great phrase from Dante‘s Inferno; “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those, who in time of crisis, did nothing”. Different people with different talents appeal to different audiences. So each of us must make an attempt to reach whoever we can. It is true that art will reach people who might otherwise not be aware of the problems in Burma. So artists who care must act and it will matter.
Creating Art and Creating Democracy
When I think of how I became an artist and of how the creative process works, I see a parallel between becoming an artist and fighting for democracy.
Art is not static. It is the result of act and hopefully, if it is
successful, it elicits an emotional reaction. My sculpture of Daw Suu Kyi was
inspired by the lady herself; who she is and what she represents. And I am very
grateful that so many have told me that this sculpture has inspired them.
Often artists are told, “Oh, how lucky you are to have such a gift,” as if our talent had just been delivered to us, complete and ready to exercise. The great French sculptor Rodin once said, “Art (sculpture) is 10% inclination; 10% inspiration and 80% brute labor”.
An artist is like a surgeon or an athlete. Perhaps at some point in his young life he recognizes a disposition to medicine or sport or art. But it is impossible to become proficient without great study, persistence, and hard work.
Art is as much a “gift” as democracy is a gift. That is to say, not at all. It is the determination and hard work that goes into creating them that counts. Art and democracy can be dreams that inspire but they will not exist without struggle; without action.
Whenever I am told about my “gift” I think of the early days of struggle. The poor results. The unsuccessful sculptures and frequent failures to reach the mark. I have to admit that there were times that I actually shed tears of frustration at my failure to achieve what I was attempting. Looking back I think my true art at that point was persistence. I simply would not give up. I would not quit.
Perhaps a good definition of art is; hard work and persistence in the face of seeming hopelessness.
Often that can be a good definition of life. It certainly works as the definition of the fight for democracy, HARD WORK AND PERSISTENCE IN THE FACE OF SEEMING HOPELESSNESS. Democracy, although it is an inalienable human right, must be won and sustained through hard work; through persistence and an unwillingness to quit.
It is ironic that while Daw Suu inspires hope and is often called “the voice of hope“, she is no real fan of hope. She has said, “I think by now I have made it fairly clear that I am not very happy with the word "hope." I don't believe in people just hoping. We work for what we want. I always say that one has no right to hope without endeavor, so we work to try and bring about the situation that is necessary for the country…“.
So it is all about act. We must not just hope. We must, as Suu Kyi says, endeavor. I believe art or whatever course we pursue, further distinguishes us as members of the human family. Our skills and talents enable us to help fulfill our responsibilities to each other as members of that family. If we accept this responsibility then it is easy to identify a course of action that is just and honorable.
It is inevitable that the people of Burma and their allies will bring about democracy. But it will be through insisting on it rather than hoping for it. Act. Endeavor. Persist. Never quit.
And it is these abilities that make us human; that allows us to be courageous; and can make us all artists.
Your Comments here_
Request: If you can kindly volunteer to translate BURMA DIGEST English articles into Burmese, please let us know burmadigest@tayzathuria.org.uk .
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