Cong [Workers]

Vertical scroll-like poster depicting images of Vietnamese labourers and builders involved in road construction, mining and construction. The title 'Cong' refers to the labourers and builders in Vietnam and their contribution to the nation's prosperity. 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.