882021

Generational Curse is based on the traditional paintings and depictions of Samsara. Samsara is the concept of life, death and rebirth. Many Buddhists believe that to live is to suffer, and that by receiving positive karma in your lifetime, you will receive a better life in rebirth. The better karma you are able to accumulate, the closer you are to reaching Nirvana, a state of peace and enlightenment. Similar to the concept of Samsara, the Burmese people are born into this cycle of suffering. For three different generations and three different coups (1962, 1988 and now 2021), the Burmese people have had to live with this “generational curse”. 882021’s grandparents, parents and now he have had their lives affected by the unjust nature of the military regime. Throughout these three generations, the military has repeatedly used the same techniques to control and intimidate its people, whether through overt power, religion or economic means. However, just like the concept of Samsara, 882021 believes that every instance of this curse brings us one step closer to a state of Nirvana, where we are freed from this cycle of suffering.

Generational Curse 2022
inkjet print on matte poster paper
123 x 123 cm