Zimbabwe OSPAAAL 1972

This original 1972 Cuban political poster was designed by Lázaro and published by OSPAAAL to commemorate the Day of Solidarity with Zimbabwe on 17 March. It was created during the Zimbabwean liberation struggle against Rhodesia’s white-minority government, eight years before the country achieved internationally recognised independence.

The composition depicts the historic stone walls and conical tower of Great Zimbabwe, transformed into a highly stylised landscape. Armed liberation fighters move among the ruins and bare trees, connecting the country’s ancient cultural heritage with its contemporary struggle for self-determination.

Lázaro uses an unusual palette of deep blue, cream, orange and red, building the architecture from hundreds of irregular stone-like forms. The large red title dominates the upper section, while information about the solidarity campaign is presented in Spanish, French, English and Arabic.

Based in Havana, OSPAAAL—the Organisation of Solidarity with the People of Asia, Africa and Latin America—produced influential posters supporting revolutionary and anti-colonial movements across the developing world. Here, the celebrated ruins of Great Zimbabwe become a powerful emblem of national identity, historical continuity and resistance.

A visually distinctive example of Cuban revolutionary graphic design, this original poster is both an important historical document and an expressive work of political art. It would make a significant addition to a collection devoted to OSPAAAL, Zimbabwe, African independence movements or twentieth-century propaganda.

Original poster

Politics - Africa - Cuba

Solidarity Day March 17

Good condition, light restorations