Jeux de l'amitié Dakar 1963

The Jeux de l'Amitié (Friendship Games) poster designed by R. Dupé in 1962 for the 1963 games held in Dakar, Senegal, is a vibrant example of how sport and art were intertwined in the cultural and political landscapes of post-colonial Africa. This striking poster was created to promote the first Jeux de l’Amitié, an event held from April 11 to April 21, 1963. The games, which brought together athletes from French-speaking African nations, symbolized not only athletic competition but also the camaraderie and solidarity among the newly independent African countries.

At the heart of the design is a powerful image of two hands—one Black, one light-skinned—exchanging a baton, a classic symbol of teamwork and unity in athletics. The baton, however, in this context, carries deeper meanings. It represents the passing of knowledge, strength, and unity between nations that have shared histories but are now charting their own futures. The emphasis on two hands from different ethnic backgrounds embodies the spirit of solidarity and friendship among diverse African and international communities.

The vivid color palette of the poster is equally significant. Behind the hands, a gradient of green, yellow, and orange flames flares upwards, reflecting the colors of several African national flags, including Senegal's. The use of these colors evokes the energy and optimism that characterized the era, as African countries were celebrating their independence and forging new identities. The fiery backdrop also suggests the dynamic nature of the games themselves—passionate, spirited, and unifying.

The bold black text that reads JEUX DE L’AMITIÉ is anchored by a green star between the words "de" and "l'," referencing Senegal's national symbol and further grounding the event in its host country. The clean, sans-serif typography reflects a modernist approach, appropriate for a poster that aims to speak to a forward-looking vision of African unity and progress.

The event, which took place in Dakar, was a significant moment in the history of sport in Africa. The games brought together athletes from countries across West Africa and other French-speaking nations, reflecting both a celebration of sport and a statement of political unity. In many ways, the poster for the Jeux de l’Amitié encapsulates this duality—it’s not just a sports event poster, but a visual representation of the political and cultural moment in post-colonial Africa.

R. Dupé’s design for the Dakar games exemplifies the role of graphic art in amplifying messages of unity and collaboration during a time when African nations were emerging from colonial rule. The poster’s symbolism—the handshake, the passing of the baton, the flames of national colors—comes together to create a compelling and hopeful vision of what the games and the future of African solidarity could be. Today, the poster stands as both an artifact of African sporting history and a testament to the power of design in shaping and expressing the political currents of the time.

Sport - Senegal

Printed in Paris

Good condition, pin holes