Rahula

Rahula embarked on his painting journey in the 1960s but experienced a hiatus between 1964 and 1972. Despite facing adversity, he persisted as an artist until his passing, navigating a difficult and impoverished existence. He enrolled at the State School of Fine Art, Mandalay in 1962 and 1963, where he found guidance from mentors such as U Chit Myae, U Aye Kyaw, and U Kan Nyunt. These formative years honed his skills in fundamental painting techniques, with a focus on Realism. To support himself financially, Rahula took up work as a rickshaw driver, ingeniously stashing pencils and papers beneath the seat for impromptu art sessions. Amidst the hustle of Shwebo's streets, he would steal moments to sketch, often accompanied by sips of palm juice. Between rides, Rahula would even entertain bystanders with his musical talents, playing the violin or saxophone. Despite the ruggedness of his life, his passion for art remained unwavering. Born in Shwebo in 1946, Rahula faced a battle with throat cancer until his passing in 2011. His signature style often depicted weathered faces with wrinkled skin, broken teeth, and a boisterous, jovial demeanor. Rahula's art was distinctive for its departure from literal representation; he drew figures from his imagination, eschewing thematic constraints. He once expressed that he painted solely according to his own desires, free from external influence.