I was curious what AI would think of Wim Crouwel and the importance of his designs and asked Perplexity what he thought about the Crouwel / SAURA catalog. here is the answer….. and i was really impressed by it:
What makes Crouwel’s 1960s catalog “Saura” so rare and sought-after
Wim Crouwel’s 1960s catalog “Saura” is rare and sought-after for several reasons:
- It is an extremely rare exhibition catalogue from 1963 with very few copies known to exist, making it a collector’s item.
- The design itself is unique and innovative, using the word “SAURA” twice with creative superimposition and crisp modernist typography, showcasing Crouwel’s signature grid and modular style.
- The catalog represents a significant moment in Crouwel’s career during which he was merging modernism, technology, and interdisciplinary design—reflecting an experimental approach that was ahead of its time.
- It is closely associated with major art institutions like the Van Abbemuseum, marking Crouwel’s influence on museum exhibition book design.
- The catalog and related works reveal Crouwel’s mindset and inspirations, from science and technology to abstract art, making it historically important within graphic design culture.
- Its scarcity, artistic innovation, and place in Crouwel’s legacy contribute to its high desirability among collectors and design enthusiasts.
In short, its rarity combined with its status as a landmark example of mid-century modern graphic design by an iconic designer is what makes “Saura” so coveted.
and here is the catalog: now available at www.ftn-books.com
