He earned his Art Diploma Certificate in Painting from the State School of Fine Arts, Yangon in 1991, and shortly thereafter served as an instructor at the same institution (1993-1994).
He studied under several well-known Burmese artists, including U Lun Gywe, U Kyaw Lay, U Mya Aye, U Thit Lwin Soe and U Hsay Yoe.
Hla Phone Aung’s art captures the everyday vibrancy of Myanmar—flower markets of Mandalay, pagodas at sunset, riverside villages—and is characterised by rich colour palettes, structural clarity and a sense of peaceful observation. For example, his works such as “Inner Peace” have been internationally shown and recognized.
His exhibition history spans Myanmar and abroad: from solo shows in Singapore and water-colour exhibitions in Yangon, to participation in major international fairs and exhibitions across Asia, Europe and the United States. Over the years, he has received honours such as the Second Prize for “Best Painting of the Year” at the Tun Foundation Bank Competition in Yangon.
In summary, Hla Phone Aung stands out among Myanmar’s contemporary painters for his technical skill, keen sense of place and ability to render scenes that balance tradition with modern artistic insight—inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty of the familiar.
