On April 7 Marten Jongema, curator of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam died. For six years he has been our partner in realizing the Best Dutch Book Designs exhibitions at the museum.
Initially Marten Jongema and the Best Dutch Book Designs had to grow accustomed to each other. But this being accomplished, we found ourselves in a collaboration that was profitable to both parties.
The Best Dutch Book Designs exhibition, each year presented slightly differently by EventArchitectuur designers: thanks to Marten Jongema. Each year a bonus added to the exhibition, giving a deeper insight into a certain book category: thanks to Marten Jongema. A more casual touch to the exhibition opening and the handing of the awards: thanks to Marten Jongema.
Marten was a multi-talented man. He was accomplished in visual matters but he was simultaneously a good reader. Being a designer of posters and book jackets, the design side of books held no secrets for him.
Last year he visited us to leaf through the Best Dutch Book Designs of 2009. With unfailing eye he drew one book out of the pile. It was Still Wild, a modest volume with work of photographer Sarah Engelhard, a series of photos of animals killed by automobiles. It was not the curator Marten Jongema who followed his fascination by picking out this book, it was the designer.
He will not be forgotten.