About
Martine Jacobs (Amsterdam, 1956) is a Dutch pastel artist who has carved out a unique place in contemporary art with her colorful, emotionally charged drawings. Her work is a fusion of craftsmanship, spirituality, and feeling, using pastel pencils and chalk to capture not only images but also stories and emotions.
After studying at the Wackers Academy in Amsterdam, she developed a distinctive style that spans dreamy landscapes, tranquil still lifes, and characterful animal portraits. Jacobs does not shy away from social themes: her work touches on subjects such as compassion, freedom, and spirituality — exemplified by her powerful series of pastel drawings reflecting on 9/11.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, she gained international recognition with exhibitions in cities such as Barcelona, Berlin, Osaka, and Saint Petersburg, and was invited to participate in the Florence Biennale. Her work has found its way into both private and museum collections, including the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.
As a digital pioneer, she was among the first Dutch female artists to use the internet to present her work. She launched her own website in the mid-1990s and now showcases her art globally through platforms such as Saatchi Art, Artmajeur, and TRiCERA Art.
In addition to her online presence, Jacobs remains active in physical exhibitions and publications. She collaborates with her partner Hans through their shared platform: The Art Cabinet of Martine and Hans Jacobs.
“Art, to me, is not just aesthetics — it is a bridge to the inner life.”
Martine Jacobs creates postmodern art in which she combines figurative elements with geometric fields of color. Her works are vibrant, playful, and infused with a personal perspective on contemporary society. Using pastel pencils and chalk, she constructs compositions that are both recognizable and abstract, with themes such as love and compassion at their core. Her art invites both observation and emotion, forming a contemporary fusion of tradition and modernity.
Education
1983 - 1985
Ruudt Wackers academie
AmsterdamDe Wackers Kunst Academie in Amsterdam biedt een intensieve, kleinschalige opleiding gericht op klassiek tekenen, schilderen en beeldhouwen. Met persoonlijke begeleiding van ervaren kunstenaars en een sterke nadruk op traditionele technieken, is het een plek waar passie voor figuratieve kunst centraal staat.
