I Design Exhibition Poster

Eiko Ishioka’s produced the “I Design” poster for her 1979 exhibition at the Seibu Museum of Art in Tokyo. The poster’s minimalist yet striking design features two red circles and a massive red “I” at its center, symbolizing Ishioka’s creative philosophy.  Here through visuals she is able to express the redefinition of personal and cultural branding. With this poster design Ishioka flipped the script essentially by branding herself as the subject, the "I". 

At the heart of the poster is Ishioka’s belief in the cultivation of the “I” is ones  true self.  The use of red, a color often associated with both intensity and cultural significance in Japan, draws on national symbolism while offering a more abstract take on the theme of individuality. 

As a woman at the forefront of a male-dominated design field, Ishioka’s I Design poster represents more than just branding and promotion for an exhibition. Her work brings in designers and shows them to approach global design with respectful curiosity and insightful analysis.  This take is able to recognize that cultural symbols and forms should be engaged with authentically and that each art piece is able to be interpreted with individuality within the viewer.


Sources: 

https://www.tokyoartbeat.com/en/events/-/Eiko-Ishioka-I-Design/D8689437/2024-04-27
https://www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp/exhibition/t_2409/
https://www.eikoishioka.com/