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EYE-BEE-M (Rebus)

Paul Rand

Artwork Details

EYE-BEE-M (Rebus)
1991
Paul Rand
offset lithograph on paper
36 in x 24 in (91.44 cm x 60.96 cm)
Gift of Franc Nunoo-Quarcoo and Maria Phillips
2016/2.202

On Display

Not currently on display

Description

Subject Matter:

This poster EYE-BEE-M (Rebus) is part of IBM’s century-long THINK promotional campaign. IBM executives were initially displeased with the design because they felt it projected a negative image of the company. Rand cleverly transforms the letters of IBM’s logo into pictures (known as a rebus): the “I” as a lidded eye and the “B” as a winged bee. The “M” maintains the style of the iconic blue-striped IBM logo, which Rand also designed. The design of EYE-BEE-M compels viewers to think in order to comprehend the company’s message. The tactics are unorthodox, but they critically communicate that IBM is a company that values “insight,” “industriousness,” and “motivation.” These values characterize IBM’s corporate identity. As Rand himself stated, it is the designer’s task to convey a company’s identity to the viewer.

EC 2017

Physical Description:

A black poster featuring an image of an eye, a bee, and an 'M' with lines dividing it. The bottom left offers a textual explanation of the symbols.

Usage Rights:

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