The Hands of a Maker

Jan Martens began his path through the Academy of Visual Arts in The Hague, studying under Kees Bol before moving on to the Jan van Eyck Academy in Maastricht. Between these periods of formal study, he worked as a graphic designer and a silkscreen printer. These years spent handling ink and paper shaped a technical precision that would later settle into his paintings and sculptures. His early travels took him through classical Greece, Islamic Morocco, and classical Italy, places where the light and the old structures left a mark on his eye.

His early work moved through the textures of Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. He produced "Mechanical Landscapes" and pieces like "Il Ritorno d’Úlise" that drew from classical culture. Even then, his use of color was heavy and baroque, often layered with transparency to create a sense of depth. He did not just apply paint; he built it up in thin, see-through veils.

Shifting Perspectives

As his practice matured, the focus of his canvases shifted toward the East. He became preoccupied with motifs from Japan, such as kimonos and fans, which began to populate his compositions. This period saw a move toward more poetic and mystic imagery, often utilizing mixed-media techniques to achieve a specific atmosphere. His later series, including "Magiciens de la Terre," "Atmospheric Phenomena," and "The Protecting Veil," reflect this interest in the ethereal and the unseen.

During his career, Martens held several positions that kept him close to the technical side of art education:

• Teacher of drawing and painting at the Art Academy of Maastricht
• Teacher of drawing and painting at the Academy of Industrial Design in Eindhoven

Recognition and Residence

His presence in the Dutch art scene was marked by several specific honors. He received the Prize for Monumental Art of Sittard and Valkenburg in 1966 and the Encouragement Prize for Easel Painting in Eindhoven in 1968. In 1976, he was awarded the bronze medal at the Europe Prize for Easel Painting in Ostende. Beyond his own studio, he contributed to the professional community as a jury member for the Zollner Art contest and through his membership in the Professional Association of Visual Artists (B.B.K.).

Martens spent his time in Eindhoven from 1968 until 1974 before moving to Roermond, where he remains. His work is held in collections such as the Museum van Bommel van Dam in Venlo, including his 1987 work titled "Untitled."