About Michel Martens
Michel Martens (1921 – 2006) was a self-taught artist renowned for his innovative stained glass art in Flanders. His work in repairing war-damaged churches and crafting new ones showcased his talent for integrating high-quality designs into architectural settings. Martens also made significant contributions to 'Expo 58' and collaborated with renowned modernist architect Paul Felix and sculptor Roger Bonduel to redefine church architecture in Belgium during the 1950s. Their collaborative efforts culminated in the creation of Bonduel's iconic home in 1959.
In 1974, he started creating mirror objects, two-dimensional works that refract light in mesmerizing ways, showing his artistic evolution and experimentation. Martens' international reputation was solidified through participation in group exhibitions across Europe, the United States and Japan. He received the Henry Van de Velde Prize in 1995 honoring his lifetime of artistic achievement. In 1999, his house and studio in Saint-Andries were designated as a protected monument, preserving not only his physical surroundings but also his archives, furniture and a collection of 126 artworks.