Digital Exhibition

The Karen people are deeply creative, with artistic expression woven into the fabric of their daily lives. From vibrant textiles to the lyrical flow of Hta poetry and music, stories are told and cultural memory is preserved through the arts. We turned to art, with its affective capacity and local resonance among the Karen, as an alternative to logocentric and Eurocentric models of knowledge. Drawing is not just a method to elicit stories, but the means to create a space where people make their own experiences tangible.

During the participatory art sessions, several expressive options were offered, such as drawing, poetry, storytelling, photography, and mapping. In most cases, people chose to draw together; however, some told stories, recited poetry, while others recorded their experiences on a camp map. Afterwards, we asked the artists to give an account of their artwork, which team members recorded. The drawings were later exhibited in four locations: Chiang Mai, London, Bangkok, and Mae La.

Click on a drawing below to see the title and artist’s name. Some drawings also include audio of the artist narrating their work or poem.