A solo exhibition by Htein Lin, a multi-disciplinary artist from Myanmar, comprising a selection of textile paintings, monoprints, video and performance, evoking the artist’s lifelong quest for artistic freedom. Ikon shows a comprehensive selection of Htein Lin’s prison paintings and monoprints, made in prison from 1998 to 2004 on prison uniforms and found textile of various scales, alongside works that reflect his time as a student rebel after the previous pro-democracy uprising in 1988. 

A key element of Htein Lin’s project for Ikon includes a presentation of paintings for its print workshop and gallery at HMP Grendon in Buckinghamshire. This off-site display will form the basis of workshops developed by Htein Lin for the prison residents in collaboration with current HMP Grendon artist-in-residence Simon Harris. The workshops will explore the specific social and political conditions of prison art in Myanmar, and the materials and tools synonymous with prison art in Britain and Myanmar.