Born on June 8, 1967, in Bien Hoa, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, Mai Anh Dung is a celebrated artist whose works bridge tradition and modernity. After graduating from Dong Nai Decorative Fine Arts College in 1987, he continued his studies at Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts, earning his degree in oil painting in 1992. Today, Mai Anh Dung is a lecturer at the Department of Fine Arts at Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts, inspiring the next generation of artists.

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Although trained as an oil painter, Mai Anh Dung chose to explore lacquer painting and mixed media, finding innovative ways to combine texture and symbolism. His works are deeply inspired by Cham culture, its sculptures, and its religious writings, often reflecting a mystical dimension rooted in traditional Vietnamese art. Through his unique perspective, he connects ancient themes with modern techniques, creating pieces that resonate with cultural and spiritual depth.

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Mai Anh Dung’s art frequently explores themes of balance and harmony, such as the interplay between yin and yang, sun and moon, or day and night. In one of his notable paintings, abstract representations of the sun and moon emerge through textured surfaces, created with mixed media, to evoke the cosmic interconnectedness of these elements. His innovative use of texture and layered materials brings a tactile richness to his work, encouraging viewers to reflect on the contrasts that shape life.
 

His career has seen numerous exhibitions both in Vietnam and abroad, including a 1996 showcase in Brisbane, Australia. One of his notable works, The Child (1998), captured the theme of life’s balance through bold symbolism. In the early 2000s, Mai Anh Dung's style evolved further, adopting a modern approach that incorporates naive, expressive depictions of faces and figures.