Karel Martens • Small Prints

This artist’s publication contains a sequence of unique letterpress monoprints, made by Dutch graphic designer Karel Martens between 2014 and 2022. The prints, which are both highly geometric and brightly colored, are reproduced in the book at their actual size. Textual elements accent the various abstract shapes and repetitions on almost every page. ‘Small Prints’ is available in two different cover versions, which itself is the result of a printing experiment. By printing the contents of the book in three layers on a single print sheet, which was then cut and folded, variations in the cover emerged. 

- 48 pages, English

- Illustrations: colour

- Size: 6.5"x9.5"

- Published by Roma Publications

Karel Martens is a Dutch graphic designer, artist, and educator known for his experimental approach to typography and print. Since the 1960s, he has created everything from books and postage stamps to abstract letterpress monoprints made with found materials. Martens blends precision with play, often embracing chance and imperfection in his work. He co-founded the influential Werkplaats Typografie and has inspired generations of designers through both his teaching and his deeply considered, hands-on design practice.