Vietnamese Propaganda Poster - Forests are Gold - Political Art

From yesterday’s propaganda posters come today’s striking wall décor. This propaganda poster handpainted in Hanoi, Vietnam, may originally have had a political and ideological message, but can today be appreciated for its artistic value as well.

This large visually striking poster (date unknown), which literally says "La Vang Forest", has been interpreted as "Forests are gold". It is handpainted on rice paper and measures approximately 18.5 inches x 26 inches (46.99 cm x 66.04 cm).

Vietnamese propaganda posters from the Vietnam War era (1955-1975) are compelling examples of political art, blending artistic creativity with ideological messaging. These posters were designed not just to convey a political message but to inspire and mobilize the public through visually striking imagery. The art form combined traditional Vietnamese motifs with modern graphic techniques, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage while engaging with contemporary political themes.

North Vietnamese posters often featured bold, stylized depictions of heroic workers, soldiers, and peasants—symbols of the nation’s strength and unity. These figures were portrayed in a highly idealized, almost mythical manner, emphasizing their role in the struggle against imperialism. Bright colors, particularly red and yellow, were used to evoke feelings of patriotism and revolution, while dynamic compositions conveyed energy and determination.

As artwork, these posters are significant not only for their political content but also for their visual style, which fused Soviet-inspired socialist realism with Vietnamese cultural elements, creating a unique form of revolutionary visual expression that continues to resonate today.