Postmodernism: Renovations in Burma

Fall 2017

Abstract:

"This paper is a response and an attempt to record the recent scandal and the public outrage towards the poor-quality renovations done at the Pyathatgyi (Pyathadar) Temple, Bagan, Burma (Myanmar). The public, mostly through the social media (Facebook) blames such a restoration for Bagan’s inability to join the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Facebook post of the renovated sculptures by the donor appeared on November 19th, 2017 and immediately became a social media sensation rigged with commented arguments and counter arguments. My argument, both as a practicing artist and a student of art historical practices, is that although the careless restoration of the sculptures did cause a national outrage, such an act can nonetheless be considered as a facet of postmodernism."

For full-length dissertation and citations, please contact me through email: thtwe@artic.edu, thet2nh@gmail.com