In the Quest for Utopia

The future of Burma is at stake: in order to have “free and fair” elections in 2015 in Burma (Myanmar), many constitutional changes need to be undertaken by the quasi-civilian government. Myanmar’s future over the past two years has taken an unexpectedly bright turn, although prospects toward stability and ongoing democracy are uncertain. Burma today is indeed at a crucial point. With the parliamentary elections to be held in 2015, there may be finally a possibility for the country to establish a meaningful democracy, for the first time since General Ne Win’s coup d’état in 1962. With signs of continuing reform, the parliament has agreed to review Myanmar’s military-written 2008 constitution. This is vital to having free and fair elections in 2015. Constitutional reform would allow the people of Myanmar to elect whomever they like, encourage national reconciliation and protect human rights, which under the previous military junta were among the worst in the world. No single issue may play a more critical role in Burma’s possible transition to a free and democratic country than the release of its political prisoners. “In the Quest for Utopia” is a homage to people risking prison and even their lives in their struggle for a long-cherished goal of democracy and freedom. Technique: Extra deep box frame, separating image from glass. Printed image of a former political prisoner in the background. Glass with one of the pages of 2008 Constitution to be reviewed, written on it.

Ana Galan was born in Madrid in 1969. After receiving her degree in Economics, she completed an International MBA, which entailed studying in three different cities: Oxford, Madrid and Paris. In the last two courses, she wrote a thesis addressing "Speculation in Plastic Art". Since 1993 she has combined her passion for photography with her profession, attending various courses in Paris and Madrid. After doing an MFA in Photography in 2009/2010 at EFTI, and after attending workshops with Pierre Gonnord, Eduardo Momene, Peter Bialobrzeski, Lynne Cohen, Matt Siber, Jose Ramon Bas, Eugenio Ampudia, Alejandro Castellote, Chema Madoz... her photography becomes more personal. Since then she has been finalist in various competitions such as Descubrimientos PHotoEspana in 2010 and also in 2011, in Madrid, Spain, in Emergentes Encontros da Imagem in 2010 and also in 2011, in Braga, Portugal, in the Bourse du Talent Portrait 2011, Paris, France, in the Px3 Prix de la Photographie Paris, France, in the Festival Emergent at Lleida 2010, Spain, in the Grunenthal Art Prize... she has received a Third Prize in the 2011 CENTER Dealer's Choice Award (selection by Dianne Vanderlip, Curator at Gagosian Gallery) and an Honorable Mention in the 2011 CENTER Editor's Choice Award (selection by Todd James, Senior Photo Editor at National Geographic). She has participated in several collective exhibits in France (Paris Photo, Espace Dupon at Paris, Rencontres d'Arles...), Italy (Primo Piano LivinGallery), India (Delhi Photo Festival), Spain (GetxoPhoto, FotoNoviembre, Festival Pa-ta-ta...), Malaysia (China House), Japan (Japan Media Arts Festival) and USA (CENTER Santa Fe, The Center for Fine Art Photography, United Photo Industries, Grizzly Grizzly Gallery...). She works as the marketing director for a magazine in Madrid, and lives between Madrid and Paris. Artist Statement. Ana Galan reviews the portrait formula that emerged in Italy towards the end of the 15th century, which associated, in painting, busts with landscapes. Realistic portraits that do not aim to idealize the subjects' features; they are fragments of an essence. People are reduced to busts, substituting through synthesis, the whole for the part. Figures placed in a raised position before a wide and idealized landscape. Windows, and at the same time, mirrors. Conflict between introspection and the projection of the subject inherent to strong portraiture. Transparency or reflection? More information at www.anagalanphoto.com