The Artist

ONES was born in 1996 in Tachileik, a border city in Myanmar. Growing up in Shan province he was exposed to different religions and their cultures such as Shan, Tai and Burmese which in turn influenced his art. He is inspired by traditional religious art such as local monastery wall paintings, folk stories and spirituality.

Although ONES started practicing drawing at a young age he did not have the chance to show his paintings until 2019 when his community encouraged him to join the vibrant art scene in Yangon. There, he got the chance to participate in his first group exhibition (Online, due to COVID-19).

The 2021 military coup in Myanmar brought severe disruptions to the art world and made it challenging for artists throughout the country. For ONES, this experience encouraged him to continue to tell stories through his art.

Selected Works

The Sun

Inspired by the famous tarrot card 'the sun’. The sun has been a symbol of life and happiness for many cultures throughout history. It is a powerful source of energy that provides light and warmth that sustains life on Earth. The sun's life-giving properties have led to its association with growth, vitality, and renewal. In addition, the sun's warmth and light have often been seen as symbols of joy and happiness. In many cultures, the sun is seen as a symbol of optimism and hope. It represents the promise of a new day, a fresh start, and the potential for growth and change. In this way, the sun symbolizes the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

The Way to the Top

It is important to consider the consequences of our actions and the potential harm they may cause to others and to society as a whole. While it may be tempting to prioritize our own desires or interests above everything else, it is important to remember that we are all interconnected and our actions can have far-reaching effects. Instead of focusing solely on getting the "best" thing, it can be helpful to take a more holistic approach and consider the larger context and implications of our choices. This might involve considering ethical considerations, evaluating the potential costs and benefits, and weighing the impact on others and the environment.