Lao Dong Newspaper reporter had an interview with young artist Nguyen Duy Thanh (Ha Thanh) - who just won the second prize in the propaganda poster contest on the election of the 16th National Assembly and the election of People's Councils at all levels, launched by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Propaganda posters about elections have a long history. So how do you find the difference in your creation?
- With the second prize painting, I chose to express it in a modern poster style. That is, still maintaining the spirit of propaganda paintings - clear composition, simple, open strokes - but breathing the breath of contemporary illustration art.
Traditional propaganda posters often have clear block layouts, quite rigid images. I want characters to have the shape and emotions of today's people, softer but still retain the generality of propaganda posters. In other words, posters must still be easy to recognize, easy to convey messages, but at the same time must also carry a modern spirit.
In your opinion, what is the vitality of propaganda posters today compared to before?
- I think propaganda posters are still very strong, even have better spreading conditions than before.
Previously, creation and printing were quite difficult. A work sometimes took a month to complete, and the printing and distribution process also took a lot of time. But now, thanks to graphic technology and printing technology, painting creation and distribution are much more convenient.
In addition, the media is also more diverse. Propaganda posters not only appear on the streets but are also spread on digital platforms and social networks, helping the message reach the general public. Therefore, I believe that propaganda posters still have great value, especially in important events of the country.
Can you tell us more about the current force of poster artists?
- In fact, this is still a rather "overbearing" field. Not every artist can draw propaganda paintings. In the past 5 years, the number of artists participating in this genre has not increased much. However, a positive sign is that more young artists have participated. Thanks to the support of graphic technology, they can create faster and more effectively.
It is a pity that propaganda poster majors are currently almost no longer taught separately in universities as before. However, graphics students still have access to related subjects, because propaganda posters have many similarities with advertising posters or graphic design.
As a young artist, what do you expect when voters see propaganda paintings about elections?
- The nature of propaganda posters is to aim for action. When viewers see the poster, they not only understand the message but are also motivated to take specific actions.
With propaganda posters about elections, the final message is to call on voters to participate in the election with a sense of responsibility and belief in the development of the country. Going to the polls is not only a right but also the responsibility of each citizen. I hope that propaganda posters can contribute to reminding everyone about that and arousing the spirit of participating in the great festival of the whole people.
