About the Artist
Paul Showalter is credited as the graphic artist behind this 1970 poster, created during a period when animation was gaining recognition as a serious, international art form. Showalter’s work reflects the late modernist poster tradition, using bold design to communicate ideas quickly and memorably.
Rather than depicting literal scenes, Showalter employs graphic elements to evoke the spirit of animation—its energy, character, and sense of movement. For those interested in iconic artists posters and the evolution of visual culture, this piece captures a pivotal moment when animation stepped onto the global stage.
The Artwork
The First International Tournee of Animation poster served as a vibrant announcement for a traveling film program that introduced animated works to new audiences across borders. In 1970, such touring events helped redefine animation, positioning it alongside experimental cinema and modern art rather than limiting it to children’s entertainment.
This poster functioned as both an invitation and a visual identity for the tour, instantly recognizable in urban environments. It stands among film and animation posters that celebrate cinema’s public presence through striking graphic design.
Style & Characteristics
The composition features crisp geometric forms and surreal, masklike faces, creating a playful tension between abstraction and portraiture. Flat fields of color and sharp contours recall mid-century modern graphics, while the stylized faces introduce a theatrical, slightly uncanny mood.
Cool greys and blues dominate the palette, punctuated by vivid pink accents, anchored with black and highlighted by white. The overall effect is clean yet energetic, appealing to admirers of abstract wall art with a narrative edge.
In Interior Design
This vintage poster is well suited to living rooms, creative offices, studios, or media spaces where you want art that sparks conversation without dominating the decor. Its graphic clarity complements mid-century modern furniture, minimalist interiors, and Bauhaus-inspired settings.
To create a harmonious look, echo the blue and grey tones with cool neutrals, and pick up the pink in a small accent piece. It also pairs well on a gallery wall with typography, illustration, and design-focused art prints.
