Fifty years after the end of the Vietnam War, life in Vietnam has transformed dramatically. Bustling cities filled with modern commerce and young people scrolling through the latest smartphones have replaced the war-torn, impoverished country of decades past. Yet one symbol of continuity remains visible across the country—propaganda art, still vibrant and deeply intertwined with Vietnam’s national identity.
At the center of this enduring tradition is 82-year-old artist Tran Duy Truc, one of the last remaining wartime propaganda painters. During the conflict, Truc used his brush to inspire and mobilize citizens in support of North Vietnam. His posters, featuring powerful imagery and concise slogans, helped foster collective resolve. Even after the war, he remained committed to using his art to serve the Communist Party’s vision.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the war on April 30, 1975—the day Saigon fell to communist forces—Truc has been commissioned to produce four new works. “This anniversary feels very special. I’m moved and honored,” he said. One of his posters features two female soldiers, one from the North and one from the South, embracing under the words, “North and South, we are reunited in one home.”
The Vietnam War lasted over two decades, resulting in the deaths of around 3 million Vietnamese and nearly 60,000 Americans. After the war, over a million Vietnamese fled the country fearing political reprisals and economic hardship. Despite this painful legacy, Truc’s posters now serve to commemorate national unity and collective strength.
Throughout Vietnam, propaganda art is still prominently displayed on rooftops, billboards, government buildings, and in everyday products like T-shirts and mugs. Truc’s small studio, where he also sleeps, contains hundreds of works honoring state events. His style remains largely unchanged—vivid colors, heroic figures, and messages promoting national pride.
“I wasn’t a soldier on the battlefield, but I’ve always believed my brush could serve the same purpose,” Truc said. “Artists are also soldiers—just on the cultural front.”
One of his new posters reads, “Hello, spring victory!” while another pays tribute to the nation’s founding leader: “If only Uncle Ho were with us on the joyful day of the great victory!” As Vietnam looks toward the next Communist Party Congress in January, Truc is already preparing fresh artwork. For him, these pieces are more than just visuals. “It’s not just art,” he said. “It’s history and patriotism.”
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