Air Afrique - RCA | 1950s

Air Afrique - République Centre Africaine, 1950s, by Jean Dessirier

This striking Air Afrique travel poster captures the wildlife of Central Africa with bold colours and dynamic composition. Dominating the foreground, a black rhinoceros lowers its head toward the water, its massive horn and muscular form rendered in bold brushstrokes. In the background, giraffes stride across the savanna, while buffalo graze near patches of greenery. The abstract use of orange, green, and blue blocks creates a sense of movement and energy, emphasizing the vast and untamed nature of the African landscape.

During the 1950s, African tourism was becoming increasingly popular, particularly among European travellers seeking adventure and exotic landscapes. Air Afrique, founded in 1961 by a consortium of West and Central African nations, played a key role in connecting the continent through air travel. This poster predates the airline’s official formation but aligns with earlier colonial-era promotions of Africa as a land of wildlife and natural beauty. The mention of a “Safari Photo” reflects the growing appeal of photographic safaris as an alternative to big-game hunting, aligning with early conservation efforts and the rise of wildlife tourism.

Jean Dessirier was a prolific French graphic artist known for his vibrant and expressive poster designs. His work for Air Afrique stands out for its use of simplified yet dynamic forms, often portraying African landscapes and culture with a bold, modernist style.