Journée de Solidarité avec le Zimbabwe OSPAAAL 1970

Designed in 1970 by the Cuban graphic artist Fausto, this original OSPAAAL poster was created to commemorate the "Day of Solidarity with Zimbabwe", observed on March 17. Published by the Organization of Solidarity with the People of Asia, Africa and Latin America (OSPAAAL) in Havana, the poster forms part of the organization's internationally renowned series supporting anti-colonial and national liberation movements throughout the developing world.

The design is striking in its simplicity. Against a deep black background, a white colonial pith helmet is pierced by a vivid green arrow running vertically through its center. The imagery is immediate and symbolic: the pith helmet, long associated with European colonial rule in Africa, represents imperial domination, while the arrow signifies resistance, liberation, and the determination of the Zimbabwean people to overthrow colonial power.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Zimbabwe—then known as Rhodesia—was governed by a white minority regime that had unilaterally declared independence from Britain in 1965 while denying political rights to the Black majority. Armed liberation movements, notably ZANU (Zimbabwe African National Union) and ZAPU (Zimbabwe African People's Union), fought a prolonged struggle that ultimately led to internationally recognized independence in 1980, when the nation officially became Zimbabwe.

OSPAAAL played an important role in promoting international solidarity with liberation movements across Africa. Its posters were printed in Havana and distributed worldwide, often folded inside the organization's multilingual magazine Tricontinental, allowing them to circulate among activists, students, and political organizations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Today these posters are regarded as some of the most influential examples of twentieth-century political graphic design.

Fausto's minimalist composition demonstrates the remarkable visual sophistication that characterized many OSPAAAL publications. Rather than relying on detailed narrative imagery, he communicates the political message through a powerful symbolic confrontation between oppression and resistance. The bold geometry, limited palette, and careful use of negative space produce an image that remains visually compelling more than fifty years after its creation.

Original OSPAAAL posters were produced on inexpensive paper and intended for display rather than preservation. As many were folded for mailing and frequently discarded after use, surviving unfolded examples have become increasingly scarce and highly collectible among enthusiasts of Cold War history, African liberation movements, Cuban graphic design, and political poster art.

Today, Day of Solidarity with Zimbabwe stands as a powerful historical document of international anti-colonial activism. Combining elegant modernist design with a profound political message, it remains one of the memorable visual statements produced in support of Africa's struggle for independence.

Original Poster

Politics - Africa - Zimbabwe

Ospaaal - Cuba

Good condition