"Every picture touches me. This exhibit generates so much emotion. I hope it will make young people look at their mother with more compassion… and mothers will see how deeply their children feel.”

These were the words of a mother and daughter visiting the exhibit together. The exhibit was conceived as a journey back in time to when mom was not yet “Mom”, but a young girl with dreams, desires, and her own story.

Spectators are invited to walk through never-told stories of motherhood at the exibit. (Photo: "She was once a girl" project)

A team of passionate young people built the exhibit as two parts, called "She was" and "She became", the two ends of a journey that began with the dreams and aspirations of a young girl and moved almost imperceptibly onto the tender, complex path of motherhood.

“Our project honors the journey of motherhood, and brings that journey closer to young people in a simple, heartfelt way. The first part, ‘She was,’ recreates the memories of a mother’s youth. The second part, ‘She became’, explores the challenges and sacrifices of motherhood. We want to deliver a gentle reminder: ‘Before someone becomes a mother, they’re a young girl.’ That reminder invites us to look at our mothers with more understanding eyes,” Thuy Linh, the project lead, said.

Members of the "She was once a girl" project

Visitors are welcomed by a colorful gallery of paintings created by students from the SMO Smartcity, Lo Mo Art, and Summer Vibe art centers, each piece a tender expression of love and gratitude for their mothers, seen through the eyes of a child. In another corner, the walls are lined with photographs inspired by old family portraits. Each photograph has a QR code which takes visitors on a deep dive into the story behindit –stories of sacrifice, strength, and the quiet power of motherhood.

The exhibit's design features three soft hues –blue, pink, and brown –blue for peace and protection, pink for warmth and care, and brown for the grounded strength of a mother’s love. Khanh Linh, a member of the project, says they selected stories from women of all ages and arranged them on a timeline. Each journey from girlhood to motherhood reveals so much about love, pain, pride, and change.

"The biggest challenge we faced while working on the project was drawing out the stories from the participants. Many were hesitant to share such personal experiences. But when we listened with empathy and created a safe space, they slowly began to open up. What touched us the most was hearing them say, ‘This is the first time someone has really listened to my story of being a mother. It’s been a difficult journey, but one that’s filled with pride,’” said Khanh Linh. 

Spectators are invited to make a floral card for their mom. (Photo: "Là em, làm mẹ" Project)

The highlight of the exhibit is a photo booth called “The day mom was a girl” –where visitors can slip into a vintage outfit from the 1980s and re-enact a moment that occurred before motherhood began. They are invited to make a floral card for their mom.

Trinh Quynh Anh, from the Summer Vibe art center, came across the project on Facebook and encouraged her students to join. She said it’s an opportunity for them to paint something from their heart and gift it to their mom. "I admired all the artwork. I could feel how sincere the children’s emotions were in each brush stroke. It brought back memories of when I used to draw pictures of my mom as a child, and reminded me that I haven’t drawn anything for her in years. Maybe I’ll draw my mom a picture when I get home."

Like Quynh Anh, what Khanh Linh gained working on the project was more than just shared stories – it opened her heart and gave her a deeper understanding of her mother. Linh said: "Honestly, after working on this project, I found myself opening up to my mom more than ever before. She seemed genuinely happy that her journey to become a mother was finally understood and appreciated. I no longer see her just as ‘mom’ – I see her as a friend who unconditionally loves me and walks beside me. I think this project will make many young people like me more willing to connect with their mom and see that mothers deserve, not just to be honored, but to be seen, heard, and understood."

(Photo: "She was once a girl" project)

Hoang Thu Ha, a daughter, a mother, and a university lecturer, was brought to the exhibit by her son. For her, this is a special chance to connect and understand each other more deeply.

"I could really feel the love of the children for their mothers in each painting — the lines may not be professional, but the feelings are genuine and touching. Moms will always follow their children’s every step and hope that they grow up to be kind, strong, and able to walk their own path. As a child, before making any life decision, I always ask myself: 'Will this make my mother sad?' That thought guides me every day. Doing something meaningful for your mom doesn’t necessarily mean doing something big. You can deliver small happinesses every day,” said Ha.