A Confluence of civilisations

Richard Wilson’s 1965 logo for HemisFair ‘68

“There is something in the nature of man that will not tolerate the unexplored. Always he finds his perimeter of ground too small, and restless stirrings prod his feet until he has gazed from every peak.”

This was the ethos – of discovery and exploration – that defined the 1968 San Antonio World’s Fair which ran from April 6th to October 6th. The event, known as HemisFair, marked a significant milestone for the Texan city as it coincided with both the 250th anniversary of its founding (1718) and the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games. The endeavour had initially planned to be a regional affair, originating from the dream of United States Representative Henry B. Gonzalez in 1962. Gradually, this idea expanded and grew (both creatively and financially) to become a visionary international exposition with endorsement of the United States Government and the State of Texas, and was officially registered by the Bureau of International Expositions.

Continue reading to discover the narrative concept behind the HemisFair logo. See how convergence and confluence was expressed through a bright colour palette. And read how the event came at cost to local communities.