USIA Textiles USA – What's the concept?
The concept behind Bill Cannan & Company's logo for USIA Textiles USA exhibition.
Bill Cannan & Company were selected by the United States Information Agency (USIA) to develop a concept for an international traveling exhibition. The theme would be the evolution of textiles in the USA and highlight man-made materials with low environmental impact.
The studio developed an exhibition with portability and adaptability in mind. This addressed the requirement that the exhibition be installed by local labour in five countries without the need for written instruction. The exhibition elements of photos, graphics and texts conveyed the unique uses of various fabrics and were printed on to photo canvas.
As the exhibition would be presented in five languages in five different cities, Bill Cannan & Company devised a universal and striking logo to communicate the theme non-verbally.
The logo brought together three key elements using two gestures. The five pointed star unites the American exhibition with the five international hosts, while an intricate gesture of interwoven lines alluded to the theme of textiles.
Bill Cannan & Company Team: Bill Cannan, Kurt Heinz, Masahiro Ogyu and Francine Fleming.
Thank you for subscribing to Logo Histories. If you enjoy reading this short you may also enjoy these resources from the same team:
Brand Archive – Research tool for brand designers.
LogoArchive Website – Searchable modernist logo archive & research tool.
LogoArchive Shop – Vintage design books & LogoArchive Zines.
BP&O – Contemporary design editorial.