SANAA Collection
Art Catalogue Strategy + Design
Overview
SANAA Collection (One 1 Edition) commissioned a collector-grade catalogue to present Congolese-born artist Thonton Kabeya to an international audience. Working directly with the artist, I led creative direction, editorial strategy and design, managing production with a typesetter and proofreader, and supporting selected photographyto capture materiality and texture.
The challenge
Translate emotionally layered, culturally rooted work into a cohesive narrative without over-designing it
Maintain museum-level reproduction standards: every artwork required precise handling, including deep-edged presentation to preserve the detail and storytelling that lives on the edges of each piece
Balance long-form essays/interviews with image-led pacing for a premium, collectible feel
Build a system that remains consistent when the book is translated into English and French (bilingual expansion without breaking layouts)
Strategic approach (consulting/strategy)
Content architecture: structured the catalogue as a “gallery walk” (context → immersion → reflection), guiding the reader through themes, essays and works with intentional rhythm
Visual hierarchy: created a restrained typographic system so critical information (titles, mediums, dates, captions) stays clear while the artwork remains the hero
Deep-edge integrity: designed image framing rules that protect and celebrate the edge detail—treating the border as part of the artwork’s language rather than cropping it away
Cultural colour strategy: selected background tones inspired by African visual culture—earthy, warm neutrals and deeper accents—to complement the work’s emotional weight and enhance contrast, giving the pages a sense of place and heritage without competing with the art
Translation-ready templates: implemented flexible grids, spacing rules and caption behaviours to accommodate longer French copy while maintaining consistency across the publication
Execution + leadership
As Creative Director, I collaborated closely with Kabeya to align sequencing, scale and emphasis, then managed the production workflow with the typesetter and proofreader to ensure precision, consistency, and print-ready delivery. My photography support focused on capturing texture and fine detail so the catalogue communicates the craftsmanship and depth of the physical works.
Deliverables
• High-end art catalogue (print-ready + digital export)
• Editorial system: grids, typography, caption rules, section openers
• Art handling rules: deep-edge image treatment + detail callouts
• Selected photography for materiality/process moments
• Layout prepared to support English/French translation
Outcomes / value created
A collector-grade publication that reads like a curated exhibition—premium, minimal, and globally accessible
Artwork presented with full integrity, including edge detail as part of the storytelling
A scalable editorial system that supports translation and future editions while protecting the artist’s voice
