He was born into a family with a rich artistic tradition, with many relatives being painters. However, instead of relying on that advantage, he chose his own path and sees it as both motivation and, at times, pressure to overcome and assert his own identity.

A particularly unique aspect of Tạ Đình Khiêm's life is the fusion of painting and martial arts. He studied and taught martial arts before pursuing professional painting, and even managed a martial arts school. Martial arts, especially the philosophy of Vĩnh Xuân, helped him cultivate stillness, composure, and perseverance in the face of life's upheavals and the often commercial art market.

He pursues abstract painting, but the abstraction in his works stems from very concrete emotions and experiences drawn from everyday life. His artworks often feature powerful colors and compositions, with a palette dominated by black and multiple layers of paint that create depth, evoking the feeling of an emotional and dynamic musical piece.