Richie Nath, Dream Of A Flower Eating Ogress, 2020

Acrylic on canvas
132 x 89 cm (visible), 148.6 x 104 cm (framed)
Condition: Very good

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Richie Nath (Burmese, b. 1995) is a contemporary artist currently based in Paris. He studied fashion illustration at the London College of Fashion, graduating in 2017, and later relocated to France in 2021 as part of a community of artists in exile. His practice has since developed across painting and illustration, shaped by his personal experiences of displacement and identity.

Nath’s works often centre on the human figure, rendered through vibrant colours and intricate forms that blend elements of mythology, religion and contemporary life. His paintings explore themes of queer identity, self-reflection and the psychological complexities of growing up in a conservative society. Drawing from influences such as Greek mythology, Egyptian deities and Buddhist folklore, his works create layered, symbolic compositions that function as intimate reflections of his inner world.

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The ogress represents how the gay community is perceived in Burmese culture. She understands this stigma, yet continues to make herself beautiful. She is depicted in 1980s-style drag queen attire, blending Burmese historical mythology with contemporary gay drag culture. A Nat figure explores the metaphorical concept of disease, exposing how silence around taboo subjects causes more harm than open discussion. The central figure is the Nat Kadaw, invoking spirits in both wrathful and joyful dance.

In Richie’s own words: “The flower-eating demon is a drag queen. They look like a demon in this picture to the world. The animist with the flowers in his mouth never tries to talk about his sexuality.”

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A note from his brother, Rocky:

This work comes from A Chauk, Richie Htet’s first solo exhibition, and Myanmar’s first queer art exhibition. A Chauk means “strange” or “gay” in Burmese, a word once used to ridicule.

It was the only exhibition our father attended before he passed away in 2022. He had struggled to accept Richie’s identity when we were young, but he came that evening despite his illness. Even with his speech impairment, he asked me more questions about Richie that night than he ever had.

I bought this painting that same night. I asked my father which piece he liked most, and he pointed to this one. We received it after the show closed. He passed away two years later. I’m not exactly sure what drew him to it, but I think he understood something in it. A painting about being seen and staying beautiful despite what the world thinks of you.

This artwork is in the collection of the artist’s family.

Exhibited:
"A Chauk", Myanm/art Gallery, Yangon, Myanmar, 17 January - 2 February 2020

(Photographed in March 2026)

Acrylic on canvas
132 x 89 cm (visible), 148.6 x 104 cm (framed)
Condition: Very good

-

Richie Nath (Burmese, b. 1995) is a contemporary artist currently based in Paris. He studied fashion illustration at the London College of Fashion, graduating in 2017, and later relocated to France in 2021 as part of a community of artists in exile. His practice has since developed across painting and illustration, shaped by his personal experiences of displacement and identity.

Nath’s works often centre on the human figure, rendered through vibrant colours and intricate forms that blend elements of mythology, religion and contemporary life. His paintings explore themes of queer identity, self-reflection and the psychological complexities of growing up in a conservative society. Drawing from influences such as Greek mythology, Egyptian deities and Buddhist folklore, his works create layered, symbolic compositions that function as intimate reflections of his inner world.

-

The ogress represents how the gay community is perceived in Burmese culture. She understands this stigma, yet continues to make herself beautiful. She is depicted in 1980s-style drag queen attire, blending Burmese historical mythology with contemporary gay drag culture. A Nat figure explores the metaphorical concept of disease, exposing how silence around taboo subjects causes more harm than open discussion. The central figure is the Nat Kadaw, invoking spirits in both wrathful and joyful dance.

In Richie’s own words: “The flower-eating demon is a drag queen. They look like a demon in this picture to the world. The animist with the flowers in his mouth never tries to talk about his sexuality.”

-

A note from his brother, Rocky:

This work comes from A Chauk, Richie Htet’s first solo exhibition, and Myanmar’s first queer art exhibition. A Chauk means “strange” or “gay” in Burmese, a word once used to ridicule.

It was the only exhibition our father attended before he passed away in 2022. He had struggled to accept Richie’s identity when we were young, but he came that evening despite his illness. Even with his speech impairment, he asked me more questions about Richie that night than he ever had.

I bought this painting that same night. I asked my father which piece he liked most, and he pointed to this one. We received it after the show closed. He passed away two years later. I’m not exactly sure what drew him to it, but I think he understood something in it. A painting about being seen and staying beautiful despite what the world thinks of you.

This artwork is in the collection of the artist’s family.

Exhibited:
"A Chauk", Myanm/art Gallery, Yangon, Myanmar, 17 January - 2 February 2020

(Photographed in March 2026)

Artwork located in: Thailand