The opening ceremony of the art exhibition For the Country was held at Pongnoi Community Art Space in Chiang Mai, Thailand on July 5. Artist Ess Sai Mein said that his exhibit reflects the suffering of the people in Shan State due to conflict, which has been exacerbated sine the 2021 military coup.

“In my paintings I use sarcasm and humor. This is what I’m trying to express about the real situation in Shan State. This is the reality that I can not ignore,” he added.

Sirada Khemanitthathai, a professor at Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration, led a discussion on art and Myanmar with Ess Sai Mein on July 5 to open the exhibit. For the Country by Ess Sai Mein will be on display at Pongnoi Community Art Space until Aug. 13