Victory or Death
An illustrated revolutionary life
I was commissioned to create illustrations charting Che Guevara's entire life path. From his early childhood years, to the revolution in Cuba, up to his final days and death. This project showcases the key illustrations designed as striking chapter headers to provide the book with visual anchors.
Propaganda-Inspired Aesthetic
To match the revolutionary spirit of his life, the visual direction relies on a stark, high-contrast palette and a woodcut-inspired aesthetic. Taking cues from the propaganda art, I kept the color scheme intentionally limited. Red serves as the dominant color, most prevalent in times of passion or conflict. It is balanced by blue for contrast and tension. A military green and bright yellow are used more sparingly, for effect.
Despite severe asthma, Che repeatedly attempted to climb Popocatépetl, Mexico’s second-highest peak.
Selected Artworks
Che’s mother watches as her young son reenacts scenes from the Spanish Civil War in their backyard.
A small group of revolutionaries packed onto a converted yacht to reach Cuba and launch the revolution.
In the Cuban jungles, Che frequently requested books. Everything from communist poetry to Goethe's Faust.
The revolution is won in Santa Clara, centred on a pivotal battle around an armoured supply train. In the background looms his modern-day monument - foreshadowing both the legend he would become and the overwhelming force facing the government troops.
Che and Fidel Castro formed a tight bond as trusted comrades and close friends.
As a Cuban government official, Che was out of his element. During a Soviet state dinner, he famously remarked that such lavish silverware had no place in the revolution.
Attempts to export the revolution abroad failed. In the Congo, Che struggled in vain to replicate the rare triumph of Cuba.
Captured by the Bolivian army, Che spent his final days in a small rural schoolhouse before being executed.
© Max Philippi