OSPAAAL - Che Guevara Circa 1970

This original circa 1970 Cuban poster was designed by Alfredo Rostgaard for OSPAAAL, the Organization of Solidarity with the Peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Commonly known as Radiant Che, it presents Ernesto “Che” Guevara as an enduring symbol of revolution and international solidarity.

OSPAAAL was established in Havana in 1966 following the Tricontinental Conference, bringing together revolutionary and anti-colonial movements from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Its posters were frequently folded and distributed internationally inside copies of Tricontinental magazine, allowing Cuban political graphic design to reach audiences throughout the world.

Rostgaard transforms Che Guevara’s famous portrait into a striking psychedelic composition. Guevara’s white face emerges from a spectrum of radiant colours extending from the star on his beret across his hair and body. Set against a restrained beige background and accompanied only by the OSPAAAL emblem, the image combines remarkable visual simplicity with an intense symbolic presence.

Alfredo Rostgaard was one of the leading figures of revolutionary Cuban graphic design and served as OSPAAAL’s artistic director for several years. Drawing upon Pop Art, psychedelic imagery and modern advertising techniques, he developed a bold visual language capable of communicating political ideas without extensive text. Here, the multicoloured rays suggest the international reach of Guevara’s image and political legacy.

With its vivid colours, powerful composition and important place within the history of Cuban poster design, Radiant Che has become one of OSPAAAL’s most recognisable images. This original poster is an exceptional collector’s piece for admirers of political graphics, Pop Art, revolutionary history and 20th-century Latin American design.

Original Poster

Politics - Cuba

Good condition, pinholes