Burmese Monk

“Burmese Monk” is a print by Shepard Fairey, a street artist, who brings attention to civil rights struggle in Burma. In 1962, the democratic government was overthrown by the army. Since then, the people of Burma have been suffering some of the worst violation of civil rights. Later the State Peace and Development Council removed all civilian administration (" Human Rights - About Burma - Burma Campaign UK."). This Council started its reign by massacring thousands of democratic protestors in Rangoon. Murder, rape, torture, and other gruesome forms of abuses have been reported by the United Nations in Burma (" Human Rights - About Burma - Burma Campaign UK.").  Children have taken the worst toll because they are the victims of both military abuse as well as emotional abuse acting as family members. These infringements of civil rights are still happening today. Burma’s generals suppress all forms of expression using extreme methods such as media censorship (" Human Rights - About Burma - Burma Campaign UK."). In addition, laws are enforced regarding public protest, allowing authorities to put protestors in prison for up to twenty years (" Human Rights - About Burma - Burma Campaign UK."). Freedom of assembly and association are denied in Burma. Political parties are monitored and often harassed and put in prison (" Human Rights - About Burma - Burma Campaign UK."). Many have died in the harsh conditions of the Burmese prisons. Furthermore, freedom of religion, as well as labor unions is banned. The generals attacked mosques and churches to promote discord within the minorities. The oppression of civil rights in Burma is severe but remains one of the least infamous countries that oppresses its people(" Human Rights - About Burma - Burma Campaign UK."). In this print, Shepard Fairey tries to bring to attention the situation in Burma.

                “Burmese Monk” is a print done by Shepard Fairely in 2008 using stencils. This piece, is done by using 3 different layers of stencils with a completely yellow background. Fairey uses a simple black red and yellow scheme in the print. This evokes a strong sense of emotion in its viewers and attracts the viewer’s attention by the sharp contrast between the yellow and black. Fairey created a contrast on purpose in order to attract more viewers to question the subject of his painting. In addition, the paint uses the color scheme of red yellow and black. This color scheme was first used in soviet propaganda posters generating a sense of communism. Through this piece, Fairey wants to bring to attention to the story of oppression in Burma.