Designed in Cuba: Cold War Graphics, House of Illustration

The House of Illustration in Granary Square is preparing for an exhibition of artworks to celebrate Cuba's 'golden age' of graphic design. The show will include 185 works by 33 designers, many of them women. The posters and magazines going on display date from 1965–1992 and served as propaganda for Fidel Castro’s Organisation of Solidarity of the People of Asia, Africa and Latin America (OSPAAL). Through these works, the group – a UN recognised NGO – aimed to forge ‘solidarity with the Third World people's struggles, claims and most precious desires.’

OSPAAL supported the Black Panther Party and condemned apartheid in South Africa. Its graphic designs called for the unity of North and South Korea and criticised the existence of Guantanamo Bay. The organisation's magazine, Tricontinental, was founded in 1967 and has had some surprising contributors; Jean-Paul Sartre and Jane Fonda are known to have written articles for the publication.

The colourful and provocative works set to go on display in this exhibition are highly sought after now. They speak speak both of the struggles of the Cold War and unresolved conflicts that rumble on. But politics aside, the graphics are hugely striking. This will be a very popular exhibition.