This original 1983 travel poster printed in lithograph was designed by the French cartoonist Piem for Air Afrique and Airtour Afrique. It promotes tourism across West and Central Africa through the artist’s unmistakable combination of concise drawing, humour and visual storytelling.
The headline “Afrique Noire – L’évasion est encore possible…” translates as “Black Africa – Escape Is Still Possible…” Beneath it, an intrepid traveller descends by rope into the outline of the African continent, aiming for a small green oasis containing palm trees and a traditional dwelling.
Piem transforms the promise of an exotic holiday into an amusing visual adventure. His deliberately economical line drawing is surrounded by generous open space, allowing the joke to be understood immediately while retaining the clarity required of an effective advertising poster.
The restrained palette of green, black and white reflects Air Afrique’s visual identity. The airline and Airtour Afrique logos dominate the lower section, accompanied by a reproduction of the 1983 travel brochure and a list of destinations including Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, Niger, Chad, Togo and several other African countries.
Piem, the professional name of Pierre de Barrigue de Montvallon, was a celebrated French press cartoonist and satirical illustrator. Combining his distinctive humour with the heritage of one of Africa’s most important multinational airlines, this original poster is an unusual and highly decorative piece of aviation and tourism history.
Original poster
Airline - Africa - Tourism
Air Afrique Airtour Afrique
Good condition, traces of folds
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