Win Pe was born in Mandalay, Burma in 1935. His father insisted he learn to paint and play music before he even started school. He continued his formal studies in Mandalay, and became a student of local artist U Ba Thet.
In the early 1960s, Win Pe worked as an illustrator for People 's Daily in Mandalay, and served as the principal of the State School of Fine Arts, Music and Dancing until the early 70s.
In a continuation of his creativity, Win Pe became a film director, short story and screenplay writer. In 1994, he left Burma for the United States.
Since 1997, he has been working with Radio Free Asia—;currently as a broadcaster—;and he continues to paint.