Karel Martens: Re-Printed Matter

The work of Karel Martens occupies an intriguing place in the present European art-and-design landscape. Re-Printed Matter celebrates his formidable body of work through both content and form. The book's distinctive exposed printed open binding spine serves as a material manifesto of Martens' design philosophy—revealing process while creating aesthetic value.

This volume documents nearly 60 years of Martens' practice, with particular focus on his renowned monoprints that explore the tension between geometric precision and material improvisation—the same works featured in his highly sought-after yearly calendar.

This definitive collection functions simultaneously as archive, artifact, and argument for design that engages deeply with materiality. The book transcends documentation to become a tactile expression of Martens' enduring influence on contemporary typography and visual communication—each page a testament to his relentless curiosity about the boundaries between artistic expression and functional design.

This title is currently out of print.
280 pages
Paperback
6.75" x 9"
Exposed printed open binding spine
English
Publisher: Roma Publications

Karel Martens (b. 1939): the designer's designer. Co-founder of Werkplaats Typografie, educator at Yale, pioneer of systematic experimentation. From postage stamps to building signage, his work spans decades of disciplined exploration. His signature monoprints – geometric experiments with paper and ink – have become legendary among those who understand that constraints breed innovation.