Welcome
On this page, you will find an overview of exhibitions, personal projects, and commissions.
For an overview of drawings and paintings, click on 'Nel Maertens' in the menu bar.
For an overview of drawings and paintings, click on 'Nel Maertens' in the menu bar.
Torment of Hearts
Costume design for a dance performance in collaboration with Woche Jewelry.
Booklet design in collaboration with graphic designer Nick Mattan
Premiere
23.01.2025 at Magdalenazaal Brugge
Femke Gyselinck / GRIP & B’Rock Orchestra
︎︎︎info and tour dates
Stage pictures by Robbrecht Desmet
Booklet design in collaboration with graphic designer Nick Mattan
Premiere
23.01.2025 at Magdalenazaal Brugge
Femke Gyselinck / GRIP & B’Rock Orchestra
︎︎︎info and tour dates
Stage pictures by Robbrecht Desmet
ZAAIEN & OOGSTEN
film
film
Film by Loula Burnus and Nel Maertens
‘ZAAIEN & OOGSTEN’ (Eng: Sowing & Harvesting) is a contemplative documentary exploring flora and fauna on the urban fringe, such as flowers growing along the edge of a busy road. Set in the industrial zone of Buda, near Brussels, this short film reflects on the migration and vulnerability of floral species within a stressful patchwork of railway tracks, asphalt and vehicle emissions.
On view
29.05—22.06.2025 at group exhibition ‘Shifting Scales’ as part of Antwerp Art Weekend
21.06—22.06.2025 at Border Buda festival
‘ZAAIEN & OOGSTEN’ (Eng: Sowing & Harvesting) is a contemplative documentary exploring flora and fauna on the urban fringe, such as flowers growing along the edge of a busy road. Set in the industrial zone of Buda, near Brussels, this short film reflects on the migration and vulnerability of floral species within a stressful patchwork of railway tracks, asphalt and vehicle emissions.
On view
29.05—22.06.2025 at group exhibition ‘Shifting Scales’ as part of Antwerp Art Weekend
21.06—22.06.2025 at Border Buda festival
Karakuri
Costume design for a performance.
Premiere
13.10.2024 at Concertgebouw Brugge
︎︎︎info and tour dates
performance | Aya Suzuki
choreography | Femke Gyselinck
set & sound installation | Toon Quanten
costumes | Nel Maertens
musical advice | Tom Pauwels
production | Zonzo Compagnie
co-production | Concertgebouw Brugge, Needcompany, STUK & Perpodium
in cooperation with Ictus Ensemble
with the support of the Belgian Federal Government's tax shelter through Cronos Invest
Pictures by Karolina Maruszak
Premiere
13.10.2024 at Concertgebouw Brugge
︎︎︎info and tour dates
performance | Aya Suzuki
choreography | Femke Gyselinck
set & sound installation | Toon Quanten
costumes | Nel Maertens
musical advice | Tom Pauwels
production | Zonzo Compagnie
co-production | Concertgebouw Brugge, Needcompany, STUK & Perpodium
in cooperation with Ictus Ensemble
with the support of the Belgian Federal Government's tax shelter through Cronos Invest
Pictures by Karolina Maruszak
DROOMTUIN
21.09.2024—22.09.2024
‘MoMu opens its roof to visitors for the first time during DAKkan.festival: come and admire an installation inspired by children’s drawings.
Together with artists Nel Maertens and Harald Ligtvoet, MoMu dreams of lush city gardens and green urban oases for everyone. The installation from recycled materials symbolises nature in autumn. (...) MoMu invites you to discover how you can help nature by making the most of an urban garden, terrace or balcony.
For DROOMTUIN, over 150 children drew the garden of their dreams. Next to playful elements such as colourful flowers, animals and playthings, the drawings show that a dream garden represents so much more for a child. They reveal a deep longing for security and a world without war; the garden as a place where everyone is welcome.
Artist Nel Maertens drew inspiration from all their drawings for her in-situ installation. She incorporated the flowers that are best sown in September to bloom in spring, and consulted Natuurpunt on urban flora and insects.
During workshops, Harald Ligtvoet taught children how to turn waste materials into lush creations. The resulting flowers are part of the final artwork.’
Stickers and posters were sold at the event to benefit
HOPE - Artistic Transformation for Children in Conflict
Artists | Nel Maertens and Harald Ligtvoet
Curator | Elisa De Wyngaert
Production | Klaartje Patteet and Marie Vandecasteele
With thanks to DAKkan, Natuurpunt and volunteers
︎︎︎Press
Pictures by Jasper Léonard
‘MoMu opens its roof to visitors for the first time during DAKkan.festival: come and admire an installation inspired by children’s drawings.
Together with artists Nel Maertens and Harald Ligtvoet, MoMu dreams of lush city gardens and green urban oases for everyone. The installation from recycled materials symbolises nature in autumn. (...) MoMu invites you to discover how you can help nature by making the most of an urban garden, terrace or balcony.
For DROOMTUIN, over 150 children drew the garden of their dreams. Next to playful elements such as colourful flowers, animals and playthings, the drawings show that a dream garden represents so much more for a child. They reveal a deep longing for security and a world without war; the garden as a place where everyone is welcome.
Artist Nel Maertens drew inspiration from all their drawings for her in-situ installation. She incorporated the flowers that are best sown in September to bloom in spring, and consulted Natuurpunt on urban flora and insects.
During workshops, Harald Ligtvoet taught children how to turn waste materials into lush creations. The resulting flowers are part of the final artwork.’
Stickers and posters were sold at the event to benefit
HOPE - Artistic Transformation for Children in Conflict
Artists | Nel Maertens and Harald Ligtvoet
Curator | Elisa De Wyngaert
Production | Klaartje Patteet and Marie Vandecasteele
With thanks to DAKkan, Natuurpunt and volunteers
︎︎︎Press
Pictures by Jasper Léonard
