Aung Khaing, born in 1945 in Dah Bein village near Yangon, Myanmar, developed an early passion for art despite criticism from traditionalist teachers. While studying at university in the 1960s, his talent was recognized through student projects, and he began illustrating for the university magazine. Influenced by modern Burmese artists like Bagyi Aung Soe, Khin Maung Yin, and mentored by Paw Oo Thet, Khaing struggled to find acceptance in a conservative art scene. A turning point came when artist Swe Aung Thame encouraged him to embrace modern art directly, restoring his confidence.

Throughout the 1970s, he participated in 26 group exhibitions and attempted a solo show in 1984, which was fully censored. Forced to rely on illustration work, he produced over 40,000 sketches while moving between ten locations. After a long absence from the art world, he reemerged in 2010 and held successful solo exhibitions in 2013 and 2014. His international breakthrough came with “Banned in Burma” (2014) and “Burma By Proxy” (2015) in Hong Kong, showcasing the resilience and evolution of his artistic journey under censorship.