7.7 MMERQK: Through the cracks -- life after the Myanmar earthquake

[Free and open to all. Bar and restaurant open.]

The exhibition will showcase photos of the disaster’s impact, presenting powerful visual documentation of the significant damage in earthquake-affected areas near Mandalay and Sagaing, as well as surrounding towns and rural areas in central Myanmar. The photos were taken by a group of concerned Burmese citizen photographers, organized by Platform 36, who have been mobilizing funds and support for grassroots organizations operating in the earthquake area to provide assistance directly to affected people and communities. During the exhibition opening, there will be opportunities to provide support for those efforts.

A panel discussion will also be organized as part of the exhibition opening so that those attending can ask questions about the photographs and the current situation about what’s happening in Myanmar.
The panel will include:

Khin Ohmar, chairperson, Progressive Voice.

Nang Nyi, project coordinator, Platform 36.

Other panelists to be announced

Moderator: Panu Wongcha-um, president, FCCT.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the central region of Myanmar on March 28, 2025, was the most devastating to hit the country in more than a century, devastating entire communities, killing and injuring thousands, and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. While the world’s media quickly responded, drawing international attention and donations, Myanmar’s military State Administration Council (SAC) regime continually sought to restrict outsiders’ access to afflicted areas and control any incoming international assistance. Over the past several months, the SAC has shown it is part of the problem rather than part of the solution by steering the disaster response away from those most in need. Moreover, despite announced ceasefires by both the SAC as well as ethnic armed organizations and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) opposed to the military regime, fighting has continued and the SAC has launched airstrikes against civilian targets, including in earthquake affected areas.
Urgent action is needed to provide relief to affected communities in the earthquake zone who cannot return to their damaged homes, have no livelihoods, and face Myanmar’s torrential monsoon season living in tents. Relief is needed for immediate needs as well as for long-term recovery efforts. All funds raised via the exhibition will be entirely used toward medical supplies and healthcare services via trusted local and civil society organizations working on the ground. For those interested, the photos as well as postcards and booklets will be on offer for donations.
Platform 36 is a collective of photographers, artists, technologists, and creative activists working at the intersection of art, community, and social change. United by a shared belief in the power of storytelling, Platform 36 has long engaged in grassroots media projects across Southeast Asia. Ye Aung Thu, a Burmese photojournalist and World Press Photo Award winner whose work has shed light on life in Myanmar and the broader region, leads Platform 36. With deep ties to communities across Myanmar and Thailand, Platform 36 focuses on truth-telling, building resilience, and providing inclusive support for those most affected by crisis and conflict.
The exhibition opening is free and open to the public.
The exhibit, which is organized by Platform 36, will be at the FCCT from July 4-31, 2025.