ABSTRACT
Appreciating Myanmar's arts can be a challenge to foreign eyes, with many of the new innovations seemingly out of place, yet when seen in historical context, the present is a continuum of artistic practices that are deeply embedded in Burmese culture. Throughout Burmese history virtually all of Myanmar's visual repertoire existed for the purpose of supporting Buddhism and the royal courts. There was little art for art's sake, and artistic practice occurred within prescribed workshop environments. The advent of World War II and subsequent upheaval in Myanmar effectively cut off the steady trajectory of Myanmar's rising artistic talents. Throughout the 1960s to 1990s, with little access to foreign contemporary art practices, and virtually no local market for Western-style art, the arts faltered. In parallel to contemporary art, the traditional arts that have underpinned Myanmar's rich visual culture are also undergoing a renaissance.
