Vietnamese Art Print: Breathing Is Not Free

Breathing Is Not Free – Art Print by Bao Quyen

Breathing Is Not Free is a powerful original illustration by Bao Quyen, printed on premium 300g textured paper with a tactile, gallery-quality finish. This artwork transforms a global issue into a deeply personal visual statement.

Inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic and long-standing environmental realities in Vietnam, this illustration reflects on the idea of freedom, health, and the invisible cost of polluted air. While mask-wearing sparked debates about personal freedom in many parts of the world, in cities across Vietnam it has long been a necessity. Thick air polluted by black carbon, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and industrial emissions has made breathing itself a daily sacrifice.

As a rapidly industrializing country, Vietnam has seen coal consumption triple and oil usage rise by more than 70%, making air pollution one of the most serious threats to public health. Heavy industries, traffic, construction sites, and coal-fired power plants—often located close to major cities—have dramatically reduced air quality. Studies estimate that air pollution causes approximately 60,000 premature deaths in Vietnam every year and shortens the average life expectancy in Hanoi by 2.5 years.

Created in collaboration with the climate activists from @otbclimate, this artwork aims to raise awareness about environmental responsibility, global warming, and the human cost of industrial growth. It is both a call for reflection and a reminder that caring for our planet is inseparable from caring for ourselves.

This print is ideal for collectors, environmentally conscious individuals, and anyone seeking meaningful wall art that addresses climate change, air pollution, and social awareness through contemporary illustration.

Details:

• Original illustration by Bao Quyen
• Printed on high-quality 300g textured paper
• Theme: air pollution, climate change, environmental awareness
• Designed as contemporary wall art with a strong social message
• Available in Pink on Blue