The Curious Case of Ashin Agga

"The Curious Case of Ashin Agga" is created based on the iconic novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

In the book, Dorian, the protagonist, sells his soul to continue enjoying the luxury of eternal youth. While his body remains youthful, beautiful and pure-looking forever, a painting in his likeness ages instead. While it ages, the painting shows the internal moral degradation that has twisted Dorian's soul beyond recognition. In this artwork by Aung Khant, we see Ashin Agah as another Dorian.

The names "Ashin" and "Agga" mean "Burmese Monk" and "forefront," respectively. By giving the character in the painting a name that is synonymous with frugality and restraint, Aung Khant makes a satire on the pretence of human nature: There is a desire to escape from the endless indulgence in epicurean lifestyle, but also a desperate need to be forever enmeshed in the endless cycle of extravagance, unrestrained debauchery and corruption.

Aung Khant

“What I can say about my artist life is an alternation of Nietzschean Apollonian and Dionysian phases with a nihilist twist which means I’m a great admirer of Rick Sanchez’s “Wubba lubba dub dub!” and Jordan Peterson’s debates on free speech, which represent my view about the current Burmese art scene”, Aung Khant.

Colourful and animated imagery created with striking contrasts and rebellious motifs, Khant’s artworks are characterised by comical elements and styles inspired by Kerby Rosanes, Keith Haring and Jean DuBuffet. His activist artworks embody his personal experience during the coup, his diverse life philosophies and a nostalgic collection of Burmese comics, horror books and video games from his childhood.

Aung Khant started “doodling” during his university years driven by his exhaustion about traditional painting methods. His doodles were quite popular at that time among young people for their extremely complex structures. He also worked with multiple local clothing brands and organisations with his design.

Graduated from University of Arts and Culture Yangon with B.A. in Painting, he made the first solo show in Yangon during the third year of university. Being a full time arts teacher, he was a passionate art educator. He co-founded an artist organization called “JINN” where he wrote educational pieces about modern and contemporary art. He also volunteered to teach arts in rehabilitation centres and monasteries.

Based on our agreement with the artist, 15% of the pre-VAT price excluding frames will be donated to support the social movement. Donation will be given to the National Unity Government of Myanmar ("NUG") Campaign UK.