Ngwe Gaing (U)

Artist U Ngwe Gaing (1901–1967) was a renowned Burmese artist known for his mastery of oil and watercolor painting. Following the passing of his mentor U Ba Nyan, U Ngwe Gaing was acclaimed as Myanmar's foremost living painter, profoundly influencing subsequent generations of artists. Born in Myeik and raised in Dawei of Burmese-Chinese descent, he initially taught himself art and later refined his skills through an American correspondence course.U Ngwe Gaing's formal education began under Po Aung, followed by U Ba Ohn and U Ba Sein, and he later became a student of U Ba Nyan. Despite not being a formal apprentice, U Ngwe Gaing studied with Ba Nyan on weekends. His works are highly sought after, and he received the title Alinga Kyaw Zwa, the highest honor for an artist in Burma, in 1953. U Ngwe Gaing is considered one of the great masters of modern Burmese painting, celebrated for his versatility, technical skill, and profound influence on subsequent generations of Burmese painters. His artworks are part of collections at the National Museum of Myanmar, Singapore Art Museum, Universities Central Library (Yangon), and the Tatmadaw (Defense Services) Museum in Yangon.