Interview

The Joke’s on the Junta

By THE IRRAWADDY Tuesday, September 8, 2009

COMMENTS (7)

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What differences are there?

A. I am a fanatic of both cartoons and painting. I paint with my emotion. Other people may like the painting immediately, or they may not like it, depending on their emotion. Cartoons tell other people’s feelings by sharing their sentiment. For instance, I empathize with people and feel how bad their lives are. Cartoons are rather like giving while painting is something like taking.

Q. How do you define "cartoon"?

A. Cartoons are similar to journalism. Sometimes, people will applaud your work, but sometimes they may fault you. I accept both of these responses. As I say in my cartoon collection book, a cartoon is like a child and it is innocent. It will expose as fully as it sees. It will have no bias on any side.

Q. You are really good at drawing Snr-Gen Than Shwe’s caricature.

A. Because I have been drawing him for more than 20 years.

Q. What would you tell him if you met him on the street?

A. I would like to say to him: you just keep your strong and powerful power on your belt. If you put this power either in your head or in your heart for the benefit of the state and the people, it would be superb.

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COMMENTS (7)

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.