"Modern art in Myanmar was very difficult. Forget about the public—there was a lot of animosity even among fellow painters. They would say, 'Are these people trying to destroy the art world with this nonsense?' It was quite dangerous. We were resented for over 30 years, nearly 40." -Win Pe (2017 Interview)
Win Pe, Washington DC, 1998
1960 Time magazine cover by Dong Kingman. For Win Pe—who is of Chinese descent through his maternal grandfather—the Chinese-American master was an important early influence. Decades later, the two forged a personal relationship while Win Pe was living in New York in 1998.
Before achieving recognition as a fine artist and film director, Win Pe began his career in Mandalay as a cartoonist for syndicated newspapers.
Paw Thame was commissioned to paint UN Secretary-General U Thant for his 1974 funeral. When the government banned the procession, participants—including Paw Thame—were arrested, and the portrait was confiscated.
Win Pe transitioned into filmmaking in the 1970s, culminating in a 1981 Burmese Academy Award for Best Director.
Weekend party at Peacock Gallery. Win Pe between artist/writer Ma Thanegi and sculptor Sonny Nyein (Photo Paw Thame)
Bagyi Aung Soe at the Peacock Gallery, 1984. At this time, Win Pe and Paw Thame were his closest confidants and most steadfast champions.
Paw Thame and his wife, Phyu. He closed the Peacock Gallery and relocated to the U.S. solely at her request—a profound sacrifice made for family. 1984
1984 exhibition brochure from Thailand. This show occurred during a pivotal period of transition for Paw Thame as he awaited his emigration to Hawaii.
German exhibition brochure from Bonn. Even after his relocation to Hawaii, Paw Thame’s avant-garde work continued to command an international, institutional audience in Europe.
Cover of the definitive 2016 monograph The Life and Work of Paw Thame by art historian Hlaing Bwa, cementing the artist's legacy within the Burmese avant-garde.
Art historian Hlaing Bwa’s forthcoming monograph, Win Pe: Painting with Sound, Singing in Color (May 2026), continues his important work documenting the evolution of Myanmar’s modern masters.
Paw Thame at home in West Texas, 2008 (Photo by Chris Dodge)
Win Pe at Chris Dodge Gallery show, 2008. Washington DC
2011 Paris exhibition brochure. Despite featuring a full roster of Myanmar's top artists, the gallery selected an oil painting by Paw Thame to headline the international showcase.