Burma

The ethnic communities of Burma Minnesotans held a vigil on the southern end of the Wabasha Bridge in St. Paul last Sunday. The few dozen protested with candles, flags and signs in support of the monks and civilians in Myanmar and denounce the military government. MORE »

A most vital aspect of contemporary art is that it often attempts to fulfill its aesthetic imperative while embodying a deep awareness of the world that gives it context. So as news continues to spread about the violent crackdown by Burma’s junta against Buddhist monks, nuns, and civilians who peacefully demonstrated for democracy, it’s heartening to see a response from artists and curators.

For the past two weeks Pyi Maung hasn’t spoken with his parents in restive Burma. It’s one of the longest silences between him and his parents, but it’s for a good reason: He doesn’t want to get his parents in trouble. MORE »

By using Facebook, campaign supporters can post photos outlawed by the junta. MORE »

The Burmese government has tried to shut down the internet. Some blogs have been blocked. A few still get through. From one of the remaining blogs: “Today morning 11:30 am in Burma time this is how they come out and try to kill people.” MORE »

It’s been amazing watching resistance to the junta in Burma grow: tens of thousands of saffron-robed monks, nuns, and student supporters taking to the streets in peaceful protest against an oppressive 19-year military dictatorship and the high prices and restricted freedoms that have come with it. Now riot police are kicking back.