The Sights Viewed From Boats - Aung Ko

The river, Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy), is the most important in our country and my village is located on its bank. As a matter of fact, the natives who live along its banks experience the changes of the river, and the results of these changes, every year. The idea of boats is that even if they move forward silently, they still have a strong, functional presence on the river. They are both about disrupting the river scenery, and about confirming the river as a place of transportation for people and goods, and as a livelihood, providing fish. In addition, giving the installation another facet, the village children provide their toy boats, the ones they usually play with. Because ready-made toys are not available in the village, they have to make the toys themselves by hand, using their own creativity.

Curated by: Iola Lenzi



Aung Ko






was born in Htone Bo, Myanmar in 1980 and he currently lives and works in Yangon. After having studied Fine Art Painting at the University of Culture, Yangon, from 2002, he started his career as a full time artist. His interest in the memories and experiences of his childhood and events in his hometown followed him throughout his career, using them to select themes, techniques and materials. He participated in the Singapore Biennale 2008 (collaboration with Chaw Ei Thein and Rich Streitmatter Tran), the 4th Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale 2009 and a number of local and international group exhibitions. From 13 May – 3 July 2011, he had a solo exhibition in Esplanade Jendala (Visual Arts Space) and Concourse Singapore. In 2007 he started an art project in his village called "Thuye`dan Village Art Project" which is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year.