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In the aftermath of the recent earthquake https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagaing_Fault, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion, shock, sorrow, empathy, and a deep sense of helplessness. As an artist, painting became my way of processing the event. Through expressionism, I channeled those feelings into a series of acrylic-on-canvas works that aim to capture not only the destruction and pain, but also the resilience of the human spirit.
Painting the Tremor
These artworks are not literal depictions of the earthquake. Instead, they reflect the emotional waves that ripple through people’s lives after such a disaster. The cracking textures, sweeping strokes, and distorted forms on canvas speak of fear, instability, and sudden loss. At the same time, I used vibrant tones and light-filled contrasts in parts of the compositions to symbolize hope and healing.
Expressionism allowed me to exaggerate form and color to express what words could not. Each brushstroke became a heartbeat of the affected communities. Each layer of paint captured a moment of collective grief or courage.
A Tribute to Resilience
One of the paintings shows a stopped clock structure in the distance, frozen in time. It is a haunting symbol of the moment disaster struck. In the foreground, cracked pieces lie scattered, representing the fractured reality left behind. This piece reflects not only the suddenness and shock of the earthquake, but also the silence and stillness that follow such devastation.
The still clock speaks to how life can change in a heartbeat. The broken fragments suggest the emotional and physical toll on those affected.
While these works are deeply personal, they are also meant to reflect shared human experiences. Natural disasters test our endurance, but they also reveal the depth of our compassion, unity, and resilience.
Art as a Response
Creating this series was both cathartic and humbling. It reminded me of the power of art not just as a form of self-expression, but as a medium of empathy and connection. I hope these paintings speak to others, offering a moment of reflection and perhaps even healing.
As I continue painting, I carry the stories of those impacted in my heart. And with each canvas, I try to honor their strength.
