Portfolio | May Zin Htet

Unbowed

This series was inspired by the remarkable courage and unwavering resilience of the Myanmar people. It is no secret that the past years have been marked with tough challenges, uncertainties and painful losses. Yet our conviction remains strong and our determination persists. We are still very much here. With this series, I commemorate the sacrifices that have been made and honor the fortitude of our people.

In this series, Flowers - symbolic of Myanmar people's strength - are in full-bloom or are blooming despite being caged in "vessels." The vessels themselves are battered or broken, but the Flowers continue growing and in some instances, are even growing through. Created from Earthenware sourced locally, the pieces remain unglazed to evoke the rawness of Myanmar's situation. Through this imagery, I look to portray the graceful strength and unyielding fight in the face of adversity.

Rebuild the Ecosystem

Earthenware, Cone 6

Rebuild the Ecosystem

Earthenware, Cone 6

Rebuild the Ecosystem

Earthenware, Cone 6

Rebuild the Ecosystem

Earthenware, Cone 6

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From Within

Earthenware, Cone 6 The cage is of an abstract shape of a man. Within the man, there are flowers growing inside.

From Within

Earthenware, Cone 6 The cage is of an abstract shape of a man. Within the man, there are flowers growing inside.

From Within

Earthenware, Cone 6 The cage is of an abstract shape of a man. Within the man, there are flowers growing inside.

From Within

Earthenware, Cone 6 The cage is of an abstract shape of a man. Within the man, there are flowers growing inside.

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Unstoppable

The "cage" is inspired by the barbed wires used as road blocks across the country and cities, but is modeled after wild thorns growing haphazardly. On the underside of the "cage," a rough and cracked outline of Myanmar can be seen. On it, the Flower is growing and blooming.

Unstoppable

The "cage" is inspired by the barbed wires used as road blocks across the country and cities, but is modeled after wild thorns growing haphazardly. On the underside of the "cage," a rough and cracked outline of Myanmar can be seen. On it, the Flower is growing and blooming.

Unstoppable

The "cage" is inspired by the barbed wires used as road blocks across the country and cities, but is modeled after wild thorns growing haphazardly. On the underside of the "cage," a rough and cracked outline of Myanmar can be seen. On it, the Flower is growing and blooming.

Unstoppable

The "cage" is inspired by the barbed wires used as road blocks across the country and cities, but is modeled after wild thorns growing haphazardly. On the underside of the "cage," a rough and cracked outline of Myanmar can be seen. On it, the Flower is growing and blooming.

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In Our Veins

(A hanging piece) This piece was inspired by how courage runs in the vein of Myanmar people. The "cage" is inspired by capillary bed. Thorns grew out in between the space, trapping the Flower inside.

In our Veins

(A hanging piece) This piece was inspired by how courage runs in the vein of Myanmar people. The "cage" is inspired by capillary bed. Thorns grew out in between the space, trapping the Flower inside.

In Our Veins

(A hanging piece) This piece was inspired by how courage runs in the vein of Myanmar people. The "cage" is inspired by capillary bed. Thorns grew out in between the space, trapping the Flower inside.

In Our Veins

(A hanging piece) This piece was inspired by how courage runs in the vein of Myanmar people. The "cage" is inspired by capillary bed. Thorns grew out in between the space, trapping the Flower inside.

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Out of the Old

Three Flowers started to bloom inside as the "cage" exploded from within.

Out of the Old

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Unbroken within

The "cage" was inspired by the panopticon design of the Insein prison in Myanmar. Insein prison, notorious for its inhumane condition, is largely used to repress political dissents. A rose Flower in full bloom is caged inside and can be peeped through the "broken" holes. Medium: Earthenware (sourced in Myanmar), Cone 6 8" x 6" x 6"

Unbroken within

The "cage" was inspired by the panopticon design of the Insein prison in Myanmar. Insein prison, notorious for its inhumane condition, is largely used to repress political dissents. A rose Flower in full bloom is caged inside and can be peeped through the "broken" holes. Medium: Earthenware (sourced in Myanmar), Cone 6 8" x 6" x 6"

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I feel trapped.

The "cage" design was inspired by the leg of an elephant, an animal regarded highly by ancient Myanmar rulers and the military. The Flower inside is in full bloom but barely has enough room to move. Medium: Earthenware (sourced in Myanmar), Cone 6 6" x 5" x 6"

I feel trapped.

The "cage" design was inspired by the leg of an elephant, an animal regarded highly by ancient Myanmar rulers and the military. The Flower inside is in full bloom but barely has enough room to move. Medium: Earthenware (sourced in Myanmar), Cone 6 6" x 5" x 6"

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Through the cracks

The shape of the "cage" was inspired by the clay pots that were once used by every Burmese household to contain drinking water. The Flower inside was inspired by water lily. As the cage broke, new Flowers grew through the cracks. Medium: Earthenware (sourced in Myanmar), Cone 6 6" x 6" x 6.5"

Through the cracks

The shape of the "cage" was inspired by the clay pots that were once used by every Burmese household to contain drinking water. The Flower inside was inspired by water lily. As the cage broke, new Flowers grew through the cracks. Medium: Earthenware (sourced in Myanmar), Cone 6 6" x 6" x 6.5"

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Collision

This series was made in response to the idea of a "perfect" pot. I first threw the pots on the wheel and then I altered them - changing their shape and adjusting their weight, going beyond the "standards" of a pot. As my hands reshaped the clay, each alteration became an assertion of individuality, a rebellion against imposed constraints.

Selected pieces are shown below.