Born in 1949 in Mandalay, Sonny Nyein graduated from the Yangon State School of Fine Arts in 1971 with a major in Sculpture. He then continued his studies with Baji Aung Soe, leader of the Myanmar modern art movement, learning form and space concepts in both sculpture and painting. Experimenting on the form aspect of sculpture he soon began to move towards modernism, and was particularly influenced by David Smith, Louis Nevelson and Isamu Noguchi.
Sonny’s early works were of found scrap metal, with the subjects ranging from pieces inspired by myths to religion to social commentary. He gained exposure to Western-style art during extended stints in the USA, where he worked as an artist for the United States Information Service (USIS), designing many shows and publications. It was during this time that he visited major museums, art galleries, and met many artists and sculptors, which led him to further refine his artwork. The artist currently resides in Yangon, Myanmar.
Sonny’s latest series of sculptures are made out of painted steel, utilizing his concepts of form and space to create elegant yet powerful artwork. A selection of his works is currently exhibited at Suvannabhumi Art Gallery in Chiang Mai, or online at sonnynyein.goldentriangleart.com.
Suvannabhumi Art Gallery
116 Chaoenrat Rd. T.Watget
A.Muang Chiang Mai 50000
Tel: 081-031 5309
suvmarmar@gmail.com
For more information and contact to the artist please contact info@goldentriangleart.com.
Family #5 (2006), painted steel, 31x14x11 inch
Untitled #002 (2006), painted steel, 32.5x31x24 inch
Untitled #004 (2006), painted steel, 32.5x31.24 inch
Majesty of Music (1984), painted steel, 31x14 x11 inch
Like the juxtaposition of red and black and positive and negative space.
Regards,
Kyi May Kaung