The artist's "Childhood Memories" series, part of the "A Private Sky" group exhibition, will be showcased in TP HCM from 4-15/7. Tu Quyen shared that her inspiration for the series came from a child's question: "Mom, what games did you play when you were little?".

Tu Quyen's artwork depicts the traditional game of hopscotch. The artist noted that the yellow and vermilion hues of lacquer painting help her convey warm memories.

"Midday Dream" illustrates children folding paper boats and floating them down a stream beneath a tree.

Children spread banana leaves and play chase beside a buffalo. Born in 1982, the artist recalled a childhood free from smartphones or video games. She described afternoons spent running barefoot on dirt fields, laughter echoing through the small village, and joy found in simple games that nurtured generations.

Children's dreams take flight with unicorns and butterfly-winged fairies.

A tug-of-war game is depicted. After viewing the paintings, artist Ho Thi Xuan Thu praised Tu Quyen's creative and energetic expression.

Lion dance, dragon dance, and lantern parades during Mid-Autumn Festival nights.

The artist paints as a way to reflect on the past, allowing adult viewers to revisit their childhood and helping today's children understand the formative years of the 80s and 90s generations.

Beyond children from the lowlands, Tu Quyen also draws inspiration from the lives of children in mountainous regions. The artist expressed that the series conveys a message of hope that the beauty of childhood and folk culture will endure.

The artist, Nguyen Thi Tu Quyen, graduated from Hue University of Arts in 2006 and completed her master's in visual arts in Thailand in 2012. She received an award from the Vietnam Fine Arts Association in 2011, a B prize at the regional V exhibition (South Central and Central Highlands) in 2014, and an A prize at the Kon Tum Literary and Art Composition Contest organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2025. She has participated in numerous exhibitions both domestically and internationally.

Mai Nhat

Photo: Courtesy of the artist