Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam Announces Major Karel Martens Retrospective: 'Unbound'
The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is set to host "Karel Martens - Unbound," the first major retrospective dedicated to Karel Martens (born 1939), one of the Netherlands' most influential and still-practicing graphic designers. Running from July 11 to October 26, 2025, the exhibition will offer an in-depth look at Martens' inventive, playful, and experimental approach to graphic design.
Exploring a Pioneer of Dutch Graphic Design
Karel Martens is celebrated for his unique methodology, where chance and "mistakes" are seen as opportunities for new discoveries. His work has significantly shaped the field of graphic and book design, as well as typography, establishing him as a pioneering figure. Alongside Wim Crouwel and Jan van Toorn, Martens is recognized as one of the "Big Three" who revolutionized Dutch graphic design from the 1960s onwards, building upon the modernist traditions of figures like Piet Zwart and Willem Sandberg.
Rein Wolfs, director of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, highlighted Martens' impact, stating that the exhibition title "Unbound" reflects his free and boundless working style, referencing both the unbound book and Martens' role as one of the first truly independent graphic designers.
What to Expect at the 'Unbound' Exhibition
Visitors to "Karel Martens - Unbound" can embark on a comprehensive journey through over 300 works spanning Martens' extensive career. The exhibition features a wide array of his creations, including his architectural lettering for structures like the Nederlands Danstheater, every issue of the architecture magazine OASE (which he designed with students and later his daughter, Aagje Martens), books, typography, postage stamps, telephone cards, and wallpaper designs.
A notable highlight is a replica of one of his vibrant beach cabins from the "Couleurs sur la plage" project in Le Havre (2017). This installation uses a color system Martens developed based on algorithms derived from Le Havre's founding decree. The exhibition also showcases the Icon Viewer, a tool Martens created to convert live images into his signature icon pixels, and his 2024 road surface design for Amsterdam, which aims to make the 30-km speed limit visually and tangibly clear.
The exhibition space is designed to evoke Martens' own studio, featuring a collection of objects and pictures that reveal his inspirations. Display units present his many designs, and for the first time, visitors can explore countless sketches from his archive, offering a rare glimpse into his research and design process. A dedicated reading table allows for hands-on exploration of his designs, while a film room provides an opportunity to see the designer at work and hear from those he has inspired.
A Legacy of Experimentation and Inspiration
Martens' creative philosophy centers on thinking, looking, and constant experimentation. He is known for playing with color systems, numbers, and word schemes, often layering bright colors and combining both digital and analog techniques. His "free" experimental work frequently formed the foundation for projects with clients such as the Dutch national postal service (PTT) and various publishers.
Martens' resourcefulness and economy are evident in his work, often repurposing materials like newsprint and old archive cards. He consistently challenged conventional design rules, sometimes beginning text on a cover or placing it in the margins.
Beyond his individual practice, Martens has also broadened his scope through collaborations. Since 2019, working with his children Klaartje and Diederik under the name Martens & Martens, his influence has extended to textiles, including designs for Liberty London, Maharam, Hermès, and DUM.
Martens' impact also stems from his dedication to teaching. He inspired generations of designers, emphasizing "learning by doing" and encouraging students to conduct their own research. He held professorships at the Jan van Eijck Academie in Maastricht, was a guest professor at Yale University for 22 years, and co-founded the Werkplaats Typografie at ArtEz in Arnhem. His pioneering work has earned him numerous accolades, including the BNO Piet Zwart Prize (2023) and the Dr. A.H. Heineken Prize for the Arts (1996).
The exhibition will be accompanied by a new artist's book, designed by Karel Martens himself with Susu Lee and Jordi de Vetten, published by Roma Publishers. This publication includes essays by Rein Wolfs and Thomas Castro, the exhibition's curator. Visitors will also find a selection of Martens' designs and collaborations available in the museum shop, and can engage with words and colors in the "Letter Lab" designed by Koehorst in ‘t Veld.
For those interested in exploring more cultural venues in the city, Musemap (musemap.art) offers an extensive guide. You can browse other museums in Amsterdam or find them conveniently located on the interactive map.
