Artist Shwe Kyaw Lin

Artist Shwe Kyaw Lin was born in 1945 in Kani, a town situated along the Chindwin River in Sagaing Division, Myanmar. He is the son of U Tha Soe and Daw Nwae. From an early age, he exhibited a profound passion for the arts.

In 1968, he obtained a degree in Fine Arts from the State Fine Art School of Mandalay. Subsequently, he joined the Archeology Department as an artist, where he gained extensive experience in replicating Bagan frescoes. The distinct lines and colors of these ancient frescoes significantly influenced his artistic style.

By 1970, he had devoted himself entirely to fine art painting. In 1972, he became one of Myanmar’s distinguished traditional artists and was recognized as a member of the Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Organization (Central), Yangon.

Regular Annual Art Exhibitions

U Shwe Kyaw Lin actively participates in several art exhibitions every year, including:

• Morning Art Exhibition, Yangon
• Wintry Winter Art Exhibition, Yangon
• Shwe Generation Art Exhibition, Yangon
• Township Exhibition by the Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Association, North Okkalapa Township, Yangon
• All Myanmar Art Exhibition, organized by the Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Association (Central), Yangon

From 1968 to 2022, he has showcased his works in over 70 art exhibitions both in Myanmar and internationally, including in Korea, Japan, and various ACCU countries.

 Solo Show

• 2006 – First solo exhibition at the Exhibition Hall of the Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Association (Central), Yangon.
• 2012 – Second Solo art exhibition held at Trish Gallery.
• 2023 –Third Solo art exhibition held at Narinjara Gallery.
• 2025 – The Royal Gallery exhibits his 4th solo art exhibition “Echos of Chindwin Valley By Artist Shwe Kyaw Lin” at Governor’s Residence.

Achievements

• 1991 – Poster Prize Winner for the Memorial Day of Development of Patriotism
• 1992 – Postcard Prize Winner at the Exhibition of Myanmar Traditional Rural Art
• 1998 – Encouragement Prize Winner at the Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations, organized by the Asia/Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU), Japan
• 1999 – Poster Design for a reforestation project in Myanmar’s delta region, supporting the Mangrove Reforestation Initiative led by the Japanese government
• 2000 – Encouragement Prize Winner at the Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations, organized by the Asia/Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU), Japan
• 2000 – Senior-Level Poster Prize Winner at an exhibition marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking
• 2001 – Recognized as a top 20 finalist in the ASEAN Art Awards 2001, Yangon.