Graphic artists Peter Westphal and Wolfgang Speer on a six week trip through Vietnam

In early 1970, graphic artists Peter Westphal (born 1938) and Wolfgang Speer (1926–2015) embarked on a six week study trip through the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. They were supposed to make portraits of North Vietnamese people and soldiers in the war against South Vietnam and the US. After they had left, 50 selected works were presented in the exhibition Menschen des sozialistischen Vietnam („people of Socialist Vietnam“) in Hanoi.

On behalf of the Vietnam Committee at the Afro-Asian Solidarity Committee of the GDR, the artists then compiled a graphic portfolio of 20 works. The portfolio was sold at different occasions, like exhibitions, for 15Mark each. Under the title Vietnam - Das geht dich an! („Vietnam – it is your concern!“) they were intended to connect the citizens of the GDR with the people portrayed and thus call for solidarity with North Vietnam.

In the interview, Peter Westphal thinks back to his journey and shows artworks and photos that were made during his stay in Vietnam. The recording took place on 20 May 2022 at the artist’s studio in Templin.