The Joke’s on the Junta
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The Joke’s on the Junta


By THE IRRAWADDY Tuesday, September 8, 2009


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Artist and illustrator Harn Lay is living proof that no amount of repression can suppress free thought. When the present military regime seized power in Burma in 1988 he went into exile in Thailand, where he continues to use his skills to combat the brutality of the junta. His work appears regularly in The Irrawaddy, which has just published a second collection of his political cartoons.

Born in Shan State into an artistic family, Harn Lay entered Rangoon’s School of Art in 1982. Among his teachers were renowned artists such as Thu-Kha, Ba Kyi and Tin Aye.

After fleeing Burma in 1988, Harn Lay settled in Chiang Mai and became The Irrawaddy’s house cartoonist six years ago. In an interview with The Irrawaddy’s Aye Chan Myate, he talked about his life, work and political views:

Question:  How do you feel about the latest publication of your collected cartoons?

Answer: I feel both satisfied and proud. I have been drawing political cartoons for The Irrawaddy for quite a long time—at least two a week, meaning eight a month. I selected what I thought were the best and published my first collection in 2006. The recent book is second. I selected 50 from 200. Actually, I am not that satisfied with it. I’m planning a third book, which will be better.

Q. You’re especially attracted to political cartoons?

A. I have been drawing many cartoons because I am not happy with the situation of my country. I don’t enjoy targeting one subject since the beginning. It doesn’t make me happy. If my country were a democracy, the target of my satirical cartoons would change virtually every four years.

I’m making jokes only about the SPDC junta. I even can draw in advance if they are going to do something. I can predict the result in advance. Not only me, though. The entire population knows the results of their plans in advance.

Q. How do you see politics from the cartoonist’s viewpoint?

A. Cartoons and politics are like husband and wife. It’s similar to journalists. The world can’t exist without journalists, and it’s the same with cartoonists. Politicians may hate cartoonists, but it can't happen without cartoonists. If there were no politicians, cartoonists couldn't stand alone. Cartoons reflect peoples' opinions, and they don’t [necessarily] match those of the government. Cartoons are not just amusing. They are a medium and in some cases they can be used to present ideas as illustrations, in place of photos, also for educational purposes. Presenting cartoons instead of photos in some particular cases is courteous and useful. Cartoons can also be sometime a supportive thing, they can allow people to remember an idea into their old age. For example, I still remember Ba Kyi's cartoon about the Kyan-Sit-Tha and Na-Yan Man Kan story, which I read in my childhood. Even after 30 years, I can still picture this cartoon.
 
Q. How do you feel about your participation as a cartoonist in a media which is promoting democracy?

A. I am proud of that. But I don't feel self-satisfaction. The cartoonists working inside Burma have qualified themselves while struggling under oppression. As I said, I am not satisfied, I think I should do more. However, I can't think beyond my limits. I feel frustration to some extent. All I can do is just sooth the irritation of the people. I want to give the people more.

A cartoonist is not capable of changing a government. But he can be a good recorder of history. 

Q. Who are your idols among cartoonists, illustrators and painters?

A. I likeBa Kyi the best for his illustrations. Cartoonist Win Maung is so moving and I respect cartoonist Aw Pi Kyal.

Q. You draw cartoons as well as paint.



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Tom Tun Wrote:
15/09/2009
Dear Brother,
I am one of your countless fans. Your cartoons reflect the real life of people in Burma. Your humor cracks me up every time. Keep up the good work. Best wishes for you, brother.

Free Man Wrote:
10/09/2009
Indeed, Ko Harn Lay is very talented and has got sharp and clear thinking.

jim mcnalis Wrote:
09/09/2009
I salute my brother artist and political satirist Harn Lay. He continues to produce excellent, funny cartoons that are always politically relevant.

I hope he realizes the power of his work to disturb the subjects as well as to entertain and enlighten the viewer. Often the most insightful view of events is found at the point of the artist's pen or brush.

I have also been very impressed with Harn Lay's scenic and portrait paintings.
He is a real asset to the cause. I wish him great success always.

Seng Wrote:
09/09/2009
Harn Lay's cartoons don't only delight Burmese, but also other nationals. I used to print out and stick the cartoons at my office personal board to amuse my visitors.

Yangontha Wrote:
08/09/2009
To Khun Harn Lay,

If possible, please open an art school for the children, especially for the stateless children, in Chiang Mai for you can leave your steps for them. Thank you.

Kyi May Kaung Wrote:
08/09/2009
This is an excellent article, especially as in real life Harn Lay mostly just smiles and speaks very little. He is living proof that a picture is worth a thousand words. A cartoon is like a mathematical theorem, concise and true forever.

I also love Harn Lay's oil paintings, especially a kind of soft mauve color that he uses for the stream behind the trees.

I call it Harn Lay mauve, the way Wolf Kahn always uses a (shocking) pink color in his landscapes.

Bravo Irrawaddy for employing our friend.

Keep painting and cartooning.

Maybe the best is a cartoon of himself, bursting balloons to scare you know who.

Kyi May Kaung

Bagyi Aung Wrote:
08/09/2009
Carry on Harn Lay !

I believe I was the first person to praise your works in the Irrawaddy Online about 6 years ago. It was captioned "Our Cartoonist Got an Applause" in the Letters to the Editor section. Then I noticed another one about 6 months ago saying it was very humorous. To me you are a freedom fighter in your own way. Some of your cartoons could give a tantrum to Than Shwe.

U Ba Gyan was the political cartoonist, much admired even today, but you are definitely better - for keeping up to date with the latest political affairs. I recognized your potential and talent then, and said "reach for the sky (I hope you might remember that phrase).

A political cartoonist could make you well-known, but not much for a livelihood. I saw some of your portrait paintings. Gifts of portrait to the world's prominent figures to show your artistic talent, especially to those in Europe and the West where art is much appreciated. Let the world know your talent, and be a world famous painter.