His silk paintings depict ethnically Vietnamese figures – mainly women – engaged in a variety of leisurely activities. Their serene facial expressions, evocative poses and lively interactions create a romantic and poetic vision of Vietnamese everyday life. In contrast to other silk painters, Mai Thu often used bold colours to illustrate traditional garments and paraphernalia, culminating in vibrant scenes of peaceful nostalgia.
After moving to France in 1937, Mai Thu quickly gained recognition by participating in the annual exhibitions, Salon des Indépendants and Salon d'Automne from 1938 to 1940. While in France, he proceeded to have many solo exhibitions surrounding the themes of women, children and family. The retrospective exhibition, The Poetic Universe of Mai Thu, opened at the Galerie Vendôme before his passing in 1980.
After moving to France in 1937, Mai Thu quickly gained recognition by participating in the annual exhibitions, Salon des Indépendants and Salon d'Automne from 1938 to 1940. While in France, he proceeded to have many solo exhibitions surrounding the themes of women, children and family. The retrospective exhibition, The Poetic Universe of Mai Thu, opened at the Galerie Vendôme before his passing in 1980.