Since the beginning of this month, Nguyen Tri Hanh's chalk drawings have been widely shared on social media. The drawings are part of a project commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, a project Hanh has been working on for the past 5 months.

The picture shows Hanh's favorite piece, "80 years - I love my Vietnam." He used a green chalkboard to highlight the image of President Ho Chi Minh, next to the red flag with a yellow star, flowing in the shape of the letter S. "To me, this is not just a work of art but also a profound tribute to Uncle Ho and the generations of fathers and grandfathers who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the nation," he said.

Hanh started drawing with chalk around 2020 and has created about 500 works so far. Initially, he drew illustrations for his teaching, but he gradually realized chalk drawings have a special appeal, evoking a sense of familiarity and nostalgia among students of all generations. Through his art, he aims to convey historical stories and humanistic values, hoping to evoke childhood memories and inspire national pride.

Hanh often chooses historical themes, revolutionary soldiers, and heroic images of the country. He also portrays the beauty of his homeland's landscapes, the four seasons, and folk tales to connect with his students.

Nguyen Tri Hanh's work honors teachers in mountainous areas.

According to Hanh, the advantages of drawing with chalk are the vibrant colors and the ease of correction. The green background makes the chalk colors stand out, creating a unique visual effect reminiscent of a familiar classroom setting.

However, chalk doesn't adhere well, smudges easily, and the artwork can't be preserved. To overcome this, Hanh uses high-quality, low-dust chalk, and soft cloths or his hands to blend colors smoothly. He also photographs and videos his work before erasing it.

This drawing was completed by Nguyen Tri Hanh for the Hung Kings Commemoration. Outside of class time, he often draws in the school's activity room, where he has been given space to create.

This work commemorates the 80th anniversary of the People's Public Security Force Day (19/8/1945-19/8/2025), depicting police officers assisting people during floods.

Whenever Hanh starts a new drawing, his students are always enthusiastic. Some watch during break time, while others ask to take photos or videos to share on social media. "Many students have said the drawings help them understand lessons better and remember them longer, making history and literature feel more relatable," he said.

In April, Hanh attracted attention with his piece "North - South United, 30/4/1975-30/4/2025," depicting the moment a tank crashed through the gate of Independence Palace, alongside a soldier waving the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam. He researched materials from books and newspapers, consulted history teachers, and spent two days completing the piece.

The teacher recreates the atmosphere of Tet with vibrant colors and joyful expressions. Hanh usually spends about two hours on a drawing, with the longest taking a week.

Nguyen Tri Hanh creates the chalk drawing "The Moon Beside Father."

Hanh stands beside "The Dragon and the Fairy Children" - his most time-consuming chalk drawing.

Nguyen Tri Hanh is a fine arts teacher at Hermann Gmeiner Vinh High School in Nghe An province. In addition to his artwork, he also initiated the "Spreading Chalkboard Art" project, aiming to bring this art form to provinces and cities across the country.

Phuong Linh

Photos and videos: Provided by the subject