Wim Crouwel: The Masterpieces of European Poster Design

Author: Zang Kexin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Clauwel has always been inclined towards the design style of the Bauhaus architectural movement. The idea of a new "modern" world that emphasizes the common development of industry and society would never abandon him. Especially the architects and designers of Bauhaus, whose work created concrete elements of social life and inspired Clauwel's aspiration to become a designer. As a designer, Clauwel began early to engage with some famous universities in Switzerland. He discovered inspiring dialogue partners like Karl Kostner and Gerhard Ehrlich (apart from the two years he worked with the latter in 1952 and 1953). From the beginning, Clauwel was strongly attracted to the rational elements they expressed in print art, which gradually became well-known. From 1954 to 1956, Clauwel designed all the manuals and posters for the Van Abbemuseum, which can be clearly seen as a series when put together. He chose Gill as the printing typeface, liking its shape (each size of Gill had a separate engraving). Its rich tonal variations, combined with different forms like bold and italic, give rise to countless variations in typography. This typeface met the needs of typographic games.