The Prince Claus Fund is saddened by the news of the death of Tin Moe. The Burmese poet and 2004 Prince Claus Laureate passed away on January 23rd in Los Angeles, where he lived in exile with one of his four daughters.
Tin Moe was born in Burma in 1933 and became a highly esteemed poet and literary activist. His first book, The Lantern, was published in 1965 and received the Burmese National Literary Prize for Poetry. He founded a library in his village, taught Burmese language and literature, was poetry editor for the Ludu Daily Newspaper and was involved in producing textbooks and children’s books. He joined the pro-democracy movement in 1988 and continued to write despite great risk, becoming a voice for the people.
Tin Moe’s critical thought and frank writing led to several periods in jail and in 1999 he was compelled to go into exile. His books and essays are banned in his homeland. Tin Moe’s poems have been an inspiration to the pro-democracy movement and have been found scratched into the walls of prisoners’ cells.
This Prince Claus Award honoured Tin Moe's outstanding literary achievements and his role in sustaining culture as a source of strength and identity. His inspiring presence will be sorely missed.
