Date: 1976
Size: 23.5 x 17.5 inches
Artist: Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples
About the poster: This iconic poster, emblazoned with the phrase “We want them to be like Che!”, was produced by the Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos (Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples), a Cuban organization known for promoting international solidarity and socialist values. The image features the legendary revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara, a Marxist guerrilla leader and symbol of global anti-imperialist struggle, presented in a warm, sepia-toned portrait wearing his trademark beret. Alongside his image is an excerpt from a eulogy delivered by Fidel Castro on October 18, 1967, just days after Che’s execution in Bolivia. In his speech, Castro extolled Guevara as the ultimate model revolutionary—one whose moral purity, self-discipline, and unwavering commitment to justice should inspire future generations. The repetition of lines like “They should be like Che!” and “We want them to be like Che!” serves as both a political declaration and a pedagogical call, echoing Cuba’s broader efforts to cultivate revolutionary consciousness during the Cold War. Designed in a minimalist yet emotionally resonant style, this poster functioned not only as propaganda but also as a visual tribute, enshrining Che as an eternal symbol of integrity, courage, and sacrifice in the socialist imaginary.
Poster has minor ruffles and pin holes in four corners. Please see pictures.