The Art and Activism of Sling Streetwear
In the face of severe and deadly repression during and after the 2021 coup in Myanmar, activists pushed back with a unique initiative known as “The Sling Streetwear.” This campaign emerged as a powerful amalgamation of art and activism, seeking to amplify the voices of the oppressed and address pertinent issues both within Myanmar and globally.
The campaign began with ideation, designing T-shirts, and launching a website. The team designed T-shirts, incorporating messages from fallen poets and addressing issues in both Myanmar and the US, and created a video for the 2022 election in Brazil. After many formations, the group faced numerous challenges during the website launch, redirecting their efforts towards social media to spread their message far and wide, initiating a ripple effect.
Sewing workshops in Mae Sot set up on the Thailand-Myanmar border, became a symbol of empowerment. Collaborating with the Burmese NGO 'SYNERGY,' refugees were trained in T-shirt production, emphasizing the need for synergy and meaningful impact. The act of creation became a form of resistance against oppression.
The campaign’s manifestation came to its pinnacle in an event held in Bangkok on May 19th, 2023, dubbed Portrait of Detention. The event showed drawings of Insein Prison by painter Maung Phoe. The event showcased powerful designs, including a jacket, turning the Sling Streetwear into a symbol of liberty against the oppressive Myanamar Junta. Activists from around the globe and Maung Phoe, who joined via Zoom, marked a convergence of voices and solidarity. Media attention from the national and foreign press, including the Bangkok Post and Voice of America, further amplified the campaign's impact.
Maung Phoe joins a discussion panel through Zoom
The campaign aimed to reach as many people as possible, using art as a powerful tool against oppression. The decision to use fashion as a medium stemmed from the belief that it attracts the masses, especially the young. The goal was to have individuals walk the streets with the campaign's designs, making the political message a part of people's everyday lives. Collaboration with talented artists from the affected regions was crucial to creating impactful works. The campaign distributed 100-150 shirts, making its presence felt in various spaces.
The Sling Streetwear
The journey was challenging. The foremost challenge faced by the campaign was marketing its products, particularly with a focus on sustainability. Navigating the complexities of reaching a broad audience through the internet presented an obstacle. Despite these challenges, the campaign recognized the importance of adaptation to the circumstances. It set up thesling-streetwear to provide a convenient online space for individuals to access and support the cause.
Drawing inspiration from various theories and principles in the toolkit, the group feels a close affinity, particularly with concepts like artivism, striking a balance between art and message, and the idea of failing forward. The lasting impact of the Sling Streetwear campaign serves as a compelling testament to the potential of art and activism, seamlessly weaving together elements that persist in reaching individuals and communities in unexpected and meaningful ways.
