Binh [Soldiers]

A vertical scroll-like poster depicting images of Vietnamese soldiers, tanks and artillery , with fields and trees in the foreground, a small village in the background. The title 'Binh' refers to the defence of the country of Vietnam and its defence forces. During the 1950s and 60s in Vietnam, poster artists often worked in a social-realist style promoted by the state, with art serving propaganda purposes. The most important and patriotic subject matter was realistic portraits of peasants, workers and soldiers. Ho Chi Minh, in particular, felt that art must 'speak to the masses' and artists took on a new role, fighting in the struggle for independence and national liberation. The posters were important in an ideological campaign that sought to promote a high regard for labour, collectivism and patriotism, during a period of socialist transformation and cultural revolution in Vietnam.