Being (My Garden in Dream)

Color Pencil and Gouache | 24 x 36 inches

My Garden in Dream is part of Yeyint’s new series, Being, which explores the journey of gender queerness within the strict societal confines of Myanmar. This series highlights both the struggles and triumphs of individuals navigating their identities in a society bound by rigid norms. Through his work, Yeyint aims to showcase the resilience and beauty of queer lives, inspiring positive change and advocating for a more inclusive community for all. My Garden in Dream reflects hope and the dream of a better future. It symbolizes the desire for equality under the open sky. The concept emerged during the coup in Myanmar, a time when many LGBTQIA+ individuals were arrested, tortured, and raped by the military. Some fled to refugee camps along the Thailand-Myanmar border, where they faced immense challenges but held onto their hope for a vibrant, flourishing future. In the painting, the pink boy represents LGBTQIA+ individuals who continue to face adversity. The plant in his hand symbolizes hope—a seed destined to grow into a beautiful garden. Despite the hardships, the pink boy never abandons his dream of cultivating this colorful, hopeful world.

Artist

Yeyint Naing

Myanmar

Yeyint Naing (Yn) is a visual artist from Myanmar, currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Yangon in 2018, along with fine art studies at the University of Yangon Fine Art Association. Since 2019, he has worked as a freelance artist, illustrator, and children’s art teacher.

His artistic journey began with a deep exploration of solitude and nostalgia, reflecting his youth in a developing country. Growing up in Myanmar—a nation under military rule—profoundly shaped his perspective. Yeyint’s early works capture contemporary life in Yangon, drawing from the experiences he gathered during his university years. After the coup d'état in Myanmar, his focus shifted dramatically. His recent pieces express personal experiences amid societal upheaval, reinterpreting history through a personal lens. His series “…… IN DREAM” intertwines his narrative with the turmoil of his homeland.

Since migrating to Bangkok in 2024 as a consequence of the coup, Yeyint has been exploring themes of exile and his experiences as a queer artist. Through his work, he aims to tell the untold stories of the queer community, reflecting on cultural landscapes and the socio-political challenges in Myanmar.