Vietnamese Boat People

Vietnamese Boat People – Art Print by Bao Quyen

Inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai

This artwork is an original illustration by Bao Quyen, printed on high-quality textured paper (270g) for a refined, tactile finish that enhances movement, contrast, and emotional depth.

This illustration reflects the story of the Vietnamese boat people—refugees who fled Vietnam by sea following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. The term “boat people” refers to the hundreds of thousands of individuals who escaped on small, fragile boats, risking everything in search of safety and freedom.

From the late 1970s through the 1980s, an estimated up to 1.5 million people fled Vietnam by sea. Many were ethnic Chinese or members of minority groups facing persecution and discrimination. Their journeys were often perilous: overcrowded vessels, scarce supplies, exposure to the elements, and the constant threat of piracy. Countless lives were lost to hunger, thirst, storms, and violence.

Those who survived often ended up in refugee camps in neighboring countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where conditions were harsh and resources limited. Eventually, many were resettled in countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and France, shaping Vietnamese diaspora communities around the world.

Visually inspired by Hokusai’s iconic wave, this artwork uses the symbolism of the sea to represent fear, resilience, loss, and survival—capturing both the violence of the journey and the strength of those who endured it. It stands as a tribute to memory, migration, and the human cost of displacement.

Perfect as historical wall art, an educational piece, or a powerful cultural statement, this print invites reflection on identity, survival, and the global refugee experience.

Product Details

• Original illustration by Bao Quyen
• Printed on high-quality textured paper
• Paper weight: 270g
• Inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa
• Theme: Vietnamese history, refugees, migration, resilience