Paul Colin (artist)

Paul Colin (* June 27, 1892 in Nancy, † June 18, 1985 in Nogent -sur- Marne) was a major, internationally active French graphic designer, decorator and painter. He was best known for his poster designs.

An admirer and lover of Josephine Baker in 1925, he designed the posters of their Revue Nègre. He designed more than 40 years of posters for their performances, as well as numerous stage sets and costumes. He also provided 30 illustrations for Josephine Baker's memoirs.

Paul Colin was a pupil of Eugène Vallin and Victor Prouvé. The beginning of his work is still very much influenced by Art Deco, until he later finds his own very personal style. He is a creator of more than 1400 posters, numerous sets and costumes.

His work aroused international attention: In 1964 he was invited to Documenta III ( in the Department of graphics ) to Kassel.