The Abhaya mudra- ("Fear Not" mudra) represents protection, peace and the dispelling of fear.

For the past five decades in Burma, thousands of people have been arrested, tortured and given long prison sentences for openly expressing their beliefs and for daring to defy dictators who tolerate no form of dissent or opposition to their rule. Today, more than 2,000 political prisoners including monks, students, journalists, lawyers, elected Members of Parliament and more than 300 members of Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party, The National League for Democracy, are incarcerated in Burma's notorious prisons.

In Burma and across the world, hundreds of former political prisoners have come togetherto raise awareness of the tragic plight of their colleagues still detained in jail. Abhaya: Burma's Fearlessness is part of an international appeal for their liberation.

Photographed standing with their right hand raised, palm out-turned facing the camera, the name of a current political prisoner is shown written on their hand. The sacred Buddhist gesture of Abhaya, "Fear Not", is not only an act of silent protest, but also one of remembrance and fearlessness.

This exhibition also celebrates the launch of the eponymous book published by River Books, Bangkok: Abhaya: Burma's Fearlessness by James Mackay, featuring 2LILI colour portraits.

"The people featured in this book have all had to learn to face their fears squarely during the decades they have passed in the struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma. Their commitment has been their courage. It is important that they and what they stand for should not be forgotten, that their sufferings as well as their aspirations should be remembered."

"I hope that all who read this book will be encouraged to do everything they can to gain the freedom of political prisoners in Burma and to create a world where there are no political prisoners." Aung San Suu Kyi [October, 2011]