Protest Art – AnuPyinNyar

Yangon based creative designer, Ku Kue, started her career in 2006 as one of the few female graffiti writers on the streets of Yangon. Since then, she has participated in many non-government organisations as a creative lead by creating effective murals and designs relating to a number of issues, including empowering women. Since the start of the coup, Ku Kue’s art has featured front and centre in many protests around the country. Due to the recent political situation, in which arrest warrants are being issued for artists and poets, she’s now in hiding.

Anupyinnyar (art in Burmese) was conceived as a way to support both artists—such as Ku Kue—within Myanmar, and the people of the country as a whole.

Our brand is an expression of Freedom, Strength and Hope, inspired by the current situation in Myanmar. Anu.Pyin.Nyar hopes to spread awareness about the injustice in Myanmar through art, creativity and the beauty of Myanmar culture. Our products, which range from posters, t-shirts, framed prints and canvas are authentically created by Myanmar artists and produced to the museum-quality standards. 70% of profits will be donated to the people of Myanmar and 30% to our artists.

Below, Ku Kue explains the meaning behind some of her protest art:

“A Yay Daw Pone Aung Ya Mye” means “ We will win the Revolution!” Since the military coup on 1 February 2021, Myanmar civilians resist everyday against the military to get back their democracy.

In a country made of strong traditions, “longyi” (sarong-like clothes) and clothes that cover the women’s genitals were considered as revolting and unholy. Women protestors, knowing that many military soldiers stick by this belief, used lines of “longyi”, underwear and sanitary pads as a first line of defence. On 8 March, International Women’s Day, peaceful female protestors used longyis as flags and it was marked as the Longyi Revolution Day.

Generation Z, the generation that grew up with freedom, courage, independence and democracy immediately took action against the coup. They not only caught the world’s attention with their creativity, artistic abilities and peaceful protests, and gain concern from the EU, UN and ASEAN, which truly made Generation Z the “wrong” generation to mess with!

It was believed in old Myanmar traditions that banging the pots will drive evil spirits and demons away. Everyday at 8pm (the initial curfew hour) Myanmar civilians from all over bang pots from their country as a symbol of resistance against the military.

“Pyit tine htaung” or ‘the tumbling Kelly’  is a traditional Burmese toy which returns to a standing position from which ever position it falls in. Like the “pyit tine htaung” Myanmar’s civilians will rise back every time they fall in resistance to the military.

We are accepting orders internationally. We are accepting orders internationally. You can check out our website for more information www.anupyinnyar.com – and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions: [email protected].