U BA KYI | Forward

This work is in good overall condition as viewed. Horizontal indentations are consistent with the grain of the board. Any other inconsistencies are inherent to the medium. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals no sign of restoration as viewed. Framed, under Plexiglas.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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U Ba Kyi is known as a champion of the Neo-traditionalist art movement in Myanmar. An apprentice under the renowned U Ba Nyan, one of Myanmar’s greatest modern artists, Ba Kyi established his foundation in naturalist and realist techniques. His most recognizable works merge Western painterly styles with traditional Myanmar subject matter and aesthetics, reflecting the sentiments of the socio-political changes of his homeland. During his early years as a university student, Ba Kyi helped to publish cartoons for university publications.His experience influenced the artist’s approach to figuration in his later paintings as he would illustrate his figures in energetic poses with exaggerated facial expressions. These elements are strikingly presented in Forward, an iconic work by the Burmese artist.

In Forward, Ba Kyi depicts people from all walks of life, moving in cheerful unison up a hill and towards a common goal. Clad in traditional attire, they bear proud, bellowing flags of the Union of Burma and smile jubilantly. A group of figures in the foreground roll a large golden globe; their bodies bend and twist in dynamic contortions as they push forward across the canvas. Ba Kyi was frequently commissioned by the state and captures here a heartwarming patriotic scene, lifted by its vibrant color scheme. The people of Myanmar march towards a promising future, unbounded by the past and in joyous celebration of what lies ahead.