Richie Nath reclaims queer Burmese representation through his fluid depictions of the human form. The Yangon-based artist combines his fashion background and Burmese mythology to translate an emphasis on appearance as a rebellious front against gender binaries and heteronormativity.
After his undergraduate studies in Fashion Illustration from the University of Arts London in 2017, Richie was unsure about pursuing a career in art. Concerned about the uncertainties of a career in the fine arts industry, the half-Bamar, half-Indian artist returned to Yangon after graduation and worked as a stylist and art director in a women’s fashion magazine. However, the artist later participated in a duo exhibition titled ‘I’m Not Trying to Seduce You’ (2018) with fellow fashion illustrator Calum Minuti at Myanm/Art, Yangon. Richie’s focus on the Burmese femme body piqued the interest of Nathalie Johnston, the founder of the gallery space. Richie was commissioned by Myanm/Art and &PROUD shortly after to create an art series based on his experiences being queer in Yangon. In 2019, Richie decided to become a full time artist.
