| Jan Martens | |
|---|---|
| Born | 19 April 1939 Eindhoven, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Field | Art |
| Training | Royal Academy of Art Jan Van Eyck Academy |
| Influenced by | Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art |
Jan Martens (born Eindhoven, 19 April 1939) is a Dutch painter.
Jan Martens studied at the Academy of Visual Arts under the direction of Kees Bol, among others (The Hague, 1954–1959) and at the Jan van Eyck Academy (Maastricht 1961-1966). In the time between the two schooling periods, he made his living as a graphic designer and silkscreen printer. The second degree developed his fine arts skills and the artist specialised in painting and sculpture.[1] While a student, Martens spent time travelling abroad and became acquainted with classical Greece, Islamic Morocco and classical Italy.
Marten’s first artistic period was marked by Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art, producing “Mechanical Landscapes”, but also works inspired by Classical culture, such as "Il Ritorno d’Úlise". Already his painting demonstrated his characteristic baroque use of colours in combination with transparent layers. A second period evidenced the maturity of his art. Kimonos and fans and oriental motifs spread all over the canvas reflected his fascination for the East (specifically Japan). The last works in this series are called “Magiciens de la Terre”, “Athmospheric Phenomena”, and “The Protecting Veil.” These paintings include highly poetical images with mystic elements in a mixed media technique.[2]
Martens gave drawing and painting lessons at the Art Academy of Maastricht (1967–1985) and later taught the same disciplines at the Academy of Industrial Design in Eindhoven (1986). In addition, Martens won several prizes including the Prize for Monumental Art of Sittard and Valkenburg (1966), Encouragement Prize for Easel Painting, Eindhoven (1968), bronze medal at the Europe Prize for Easel Painting, Ostende (1976), and has participated as a jury member at the Zollner Art contest (1991).[3] Martens has been a member of the Professional Association of Visual Artists (B.B.K.) since 1966, the Foundation Art and Culture (Stichting Kunst & Cultuur) Limburg, Maastricht (1992) and the Foundation Symbiose unit Art and Culture (Stichting Symbiose unit Kunst & Cultuur, 1996–1999). The artist lived in Eindhoven (1968–74), and then moved to Roermond, where he currently lives.