Saw Kennedy

I lived and worked in Umpiem Mai Refugee Camp. I was the Youth Development Centre Art Director. I am also Master Chu Cil’s younger brother and budding artist Saw Poe Dah’s older brother and then two even more talented brothers still living inside Burma. I lived with my wife and son inside a small hut across the road from the YDC building in Umpiem Camp. My students were often found hanging out with me in my home.

My pregnant wife and I arrived at the camp five years ago. I was running from hunger and like many people living in the border areas of Burma, we were also running from fear that our village would be the next target when the government needed labourers. I wanted our unborn child to be born in a safe place where he would have the opportunity to attend school.

In early 2005, I moved to Mae Sot. I have been organizing an art project with Tim (from Australia) in HAS THOO LEI School and continue to paint and draw full-time.

I am thrilled to be able to share mine and my fellow artists’ work with you and thank you very much for taking the time to view our work.

Portfolio examples

Saw Kennedy factfile

Born:	1973, Karen State
Started:	1988
Studied under:	Saw Chu Cil, Win Pe Myint, Saw Eh Eh
Education:	10th Standard, SEP School, EAP School
Occupation:	Full-time Artist and Art Teacher
Favorite Medium:	Charcoal, Watercolour
Exhibitions:	Ban Thai, April, 2005 ‘Local Artist Exhibition on Borderline’, June 2005 with KSNG ‘Anniversary’, August 2005, Borderline Gallery
Membership:	Borderline Gallery