14 STUDIO BLUE
Reflecting the art of Jaume Plensa in the catalog titled I in his eyes as one that found peace is the signal accomplishment of Chicago’s Studio Blue. Creative director Cheryl Towler Weese and her creative team were asked by Richard Gray Gallery to not only capture the essence of Plensa’s work, but also take on a strategic role in future projects for the gallery.

The catalog achieves these objectives through a combination of sensitive rendering of artworks and structural details. “Whenever we take on a project, we’re thinking about positioning the institution … and obviously about the voice of the artist,” says Weese.

In depicting the artworks—sculptures and photographic assemblies that combine letters, human figures and faces—the designers chose duotone reproductions (black plus PMS color) and spot varnish. The catalog’s vellum jacket is described by Weese as “a reference to the materiality of Plensa’s works” and echoes specific techniques used by the artist. The clients “like the publication so much they want to use it as a brand standard and leverage it in other projects,” she reports. And as for referencing the art in the catalog’s construction, she concludes, “That’s always fun in a book project.” by Tom Biederbeck

Studio Blue
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Cheryl Towler Weese
DESIGNERS: Radhika Gupta, Kayo Takasugi, Cheryl Towler Weese
STRATEGY: Kathy Fredrickson
PRODUCTION: Carolyn Heidrich
SUPPORT: Bora Un
PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Tropea
ESSAYIST: Michael Stoeber
CLIENT: Richard Gray Gallery
CONTACT: www.studioblue.us