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Biography of Artist Marlar(Mandalay), Myanmar.

Artist Marlar was born in 1953 in Nandawkyun Village, Madayar Township, Upper Myanmar, to a family of farmers. He had three older brothers, two younger brothers, and one younger sister. Life in the village was challenging, and as the son of farmers, he faced many hardships. Despite these difficulties, he developed a passion for art from a young age. His parents, however, could not afford to support his education in the township.

After high school, his mother made the difficult decision to send him to the Mandalay National Fine Arts School. She believed he had the potential to become an artist and bring honor to their family and village. She did not want him to spend his life on the farm. Understanding their financial limitations, she encouraged him, saying, "My son, if you really want to be an artist, you have to start your life by yourself. It will be very hard, but if you are sure, go and face it." With her blessing, he left for Mandalay. Unable to afford paintbrushes, his mother cut her hair, tied it with a rubber ring, and gave it to him as a present to strengthen his resolve and encourage his artistic journey.

From 1973 to 1976, young Marlar studied art at the Mandalay National Fine Arts School under the tutelage of masters U Kan Nyunt, U Aye Kyaw, U Kyaw Lay, U Tin Aye, U Zaw Win, and U Win Maung, graduating with distinction.

After graduation, he worked as an instructor in the Department of Archaeology (1976-1985) and later at the Saunder Museum of Art and Craft School of Textile Myanmar as an Art and Design Instructor. From 1988 to 1998, he taught at the Mandalay State School of Fine Arts. Eventually, he left his teaching position to dedicate himself fully to his artwork, although he continued to share his knowledge as a Guest Lecturer or Master at the Mandalay State School of Fine Arts, the University of Art and Science, and other private art schools and organizations.

Most of Artist Marlar’s paintings depict Myanmar's historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and the daily life of its people. His work captures the essence of Myanmar’s nature, culture, and the beauty of ancient Myanmar, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the country. His detailed and unique creations include historical landscapes of Bagan Ancient Pagodas, Mandalay Shwe Inn Pin Monastery, Mandalay Palace, Mandalay Moat, Mingun City, village and farmer life, and the elegance of ancient Myanmar ladies. He is renowned as a master of watercolor painting, a medium he loved for its ability to bring him peace. He also created works in Oil and Acrylic.

Artist Marlar was the Founder and Chairman of the Myanmar Watercolor Society (MWS) and supported the Healthcare Organization of the Mandalay Artist Society. He was also a member of the Singapore Watercolor Society.

His paintings are held in Art Galleries, Museums, and Hotels both in Myanmar and Internationally. Regarded as a National Artist of Myanmar, his works are admired for their superior quality and luxurious appeal. He held over 12 Solo Art Shows in both Mandalay and Yangon from 2019 to 2020. Artist Marlar was selected as an artist for the Myanmar National Museum and was a favorite of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the former State Counsellor of Myanmar.

In 1985, Artist Marlar married Mrs. Khin Mar Oo, a midwife employed by the Ministry of Health in Mandalay Division, Mahaaung Myay Township. Together, they raised two sons and four daughters. Additionally, they adopted three sons and one daughter from Artist Marlar's native village and Mandalay.

Artist Marlar passed away on August 20, 2021, due to the third wave of COVID-19 in Myanmar.