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After studying artificial intelligence, Sander Martens (1973) worked as a cognitive neuroscientist for 27 years. In 2014, he started working as a professional photographer alongside his scientific work. Ten years later, he decided to work full-time as a photographer, visual artist and web designer. His interest in art, experimentation and innovation is strongly reflected in his graphic images, in which control, change and chaos are recurring themes, emanating both vulnerability and resilience.

//Represented by Ann's Art Gallery (Groningen, the Netherlands), Business Art Service & kunst.nl (Utrecht, the Netherlands), and Seeeds Gallery (Paris, France).

//Member of Keunstwurk and Kunstpunt.

//Founder of Art Collective Temps Lié and Contretemps Photographers' Collective.

ORDER and CHAOS AS A FUNCTION OF TIME

My work revolves around finding balance. Balance between order and chaos, holding on and letting go, growth and decay.

That fascination started early. As a child, when I couldn't sleep, I would often see alternately a white void or a tangle of symbols before me – like a kind of QR code. Neither state felt comfortable.

I still move – and perhaps we all do – constantly between those two extremes. From too busy to too empty and back again. Always searching for a brief moment of balance that does feel right.

Actually, I've been occupied my entire life with answering that one question: what happens in our brains between those two extremes of busyness and emptiness? Is it possible to gain control? I first investigated this as a cognitive neuroscientist, looking at how quickly people can process successive information. Perhaps my most important discovery was that a bit of chaos can sometimes help to focus better.

From scientist to artist

Today I'm a full-time photographer, web designer, and visual artist. From this role too, I explore questions like: What captures attention? How do I let go of control? How much chaos do I allow?

I combine analog and digital techniques, where light, chance, and time play an important role. Often, I physically manipulate the paper – I fold, tear, scratch, or draw – to allow imperfections that create visual tension.

It might sound like a big leap – from scientist to artist – but both worlds have shaped me into who I am now. By publishing in Nature, for instance, or giving lectures at Harvard and Cambridge, I learned to communicate complex ideas clearly and visually. My ambition is to exhibit in leading galleries and museums, as I have previously done in Groningen, Amsterdam, and Paris.

Finding that fleeting moment of balance – that sweet spot – feels like dancing on a volcano. I warmly invite you to experience that tension with me – dancing on the edge.

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H&I Surhuisterveen

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Van der Lijn Wereldmode

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Borger Tegels & Sanitair

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Sterc

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Lourens

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Bayard Press (FR)

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Bokförlaget Stolpe (SE)

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Ecole Ducasse (FR)

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Atlas Contact Uitgeverij

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MediaPartners Group

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de Telegraaf

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Villa d'Arte

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Vereniging voor Arts & Auto

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University of Groningen

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University Medical Center Groningen

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Nijsmellinghe

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Hersenstichting

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Dorèl Xtra Bold

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Ontwerpstudio Peper & Pekel

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Studio Oh!

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DesignStijl

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Transcare

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GGD Friesland

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Huisartsenpraktijk Het Homeer

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Huisartsenpraktijk Feanstate

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ZuidOostZorg

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Stichting Welzijn West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen

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Zorgboerderij de Buorkerij

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International School Groningen

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Maartens College

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IMC Weekenschool Groningen

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ROC de Friese Poort Fotografie

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Infoversum

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Stichting Vuurtoren Breskens

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Oosterhouw.nl

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InterFaca

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Protalo

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Dijkstra Makelaars

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Vlaggen Unie

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Revis zwembaden

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Fervent

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Geo2Meet

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Het Paleis Groningen

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Wirwar Spellen en Puzzels

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Bij Vrijdag

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SRI Veenwouden-Holland

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H&I Surhuisterveen | Van der Lijn Wereldmode | Borger Tegels & Sanitair | Sterc | Lourens | Bayard Press (FR) | Bokförlaget Stolpe (SE) | Ecole Ducasse (FR) | Atlas Contact Uitgeverij | MediaPartners Group | de Telegraaf | Villa d'Arte | Vereniging voor Arts & Auto | University of Groningen | University Medical Center Groningen | Nijsmellinghe | Hersenstichting | Dorèl Xtra Bold | Ontwerpstudio Peper & Pekel | Studio Oh! | DesignStijl | Transcare | GGD Friesland | Huisartsenpraktijk Het Homeer | Huisartsenpraktijk Feanstate | ZuidOostZorg | Stichting Welzijn West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen | Zorgboerderij de Buorkerij | International School Groningen | Maartens College | IMC Weekenschool Groningen | ROC de Friese Poort Fotografie | Infoversum | Stichting Vuurtoren Breskens | Oosterhouw.nl | InterFaca | Protalo | Dijkstra Makelaars | Vlaggen Unie | Revis zwembaden | Fervent | Geo2Meet | Het Paleis Groningen | Wirwar Spellen en Puzzels | Bij Vrijdag | SRI Veenwouden-Holland |

  • “Full of patience and with great attention to detail, Sander is able to make extraordinary pictures. The photographs have a simple elegance to them, layered with both atmosphere and symbolism, and each element present within the frame has its purpose.”

  • “In addition, he is a master of light. I experienced our collaboration as very pleasant and special.”

    Gretha Postmus - Omdei Uitvaartbegeleiding

  • “I have worked with Sander for quite some time now. He always comes up with interesting ideas. While working out these ideas, it's a joy to brainstorm with him about the different possibilities. Moreover, we always have a lot of fun and laughter during the shoot.”

  • “Most importantly, the resulting pictures are always beautiful, interesting, and worthwhile. Taken together, I highly recommend him.”

    Anne Jan Toonstra - Comedian, founder of ‘Commodoren’ and ‘de Hyenas’, radio host at ‘Radio Glasnost’, winner of ‘Cameretten’ and ‘Groninger Studenten Cabaretfestival’

  • “I worked together with Sander during the implementation of the interior design of the Lighthouse of Breskens, and I've experienced the collaboration as very pleasant. The interior design I had conceived included five large mahogany lamps each featuring a B&W photo from the inside.”

  • “Apart from delivering these photos, Sander further contributed to the development of the lamp concept with the idea that the photos should reflect the 4 elements (water, air, earth & fire), linked together by the lighthouse as the 5th element.”

  • “The result is magnificent and the photos strenghten the interior design that I had envisioned.”

    Cindy De Maesschalck - Studio Oh! Interieurarchitects

  • “A few weeks ago I finished my second internship under Sander's supervision, and I have to say I already miss working with him! He helped me tremendously with discovering my own style of photography as well as with finding out who I am, both at a personal and at a professional level.”

  • “He wasn't only an excellent supervisor, but also a fantastic mentor.”

    Dorens van der Werf, professional photographer, former student of photography, ROC Friese Poort, Drachten, the Netherlands

  • “For the second time we asked Sander to photograph the last-year students of the weekendschool in order for them to experience a real photoshoot and be a model for one day. I got goose bumps when I first saw the resulting pictures, they are absolutely stunning!”

  • “His photos really touch me; the power of each of these children is so clearly present. And he managed to capture them in such a striking way that it's not hard to imagine what each of them must look like later on in life, it just shines through. I simply can't stop looking at them!”

    Inge van der Veen - IMC Weekendschool Groningen

  • “Borger Tegels & Sanitair wanted to be different and more exclusive. Sander created a series of B&W photos for our new website and advertisements as well as an impressively large panorama for the showroom. He was also very helpful in thinking along with the creation of the website and marketing.”

  • “Not only did it set us apart from competitors, it gave our business a real boost, inviting many more potential clients to the showroom to see our products and experience our colourful service. I'm extremely pleased with the results!”

    Ytzen Borger - Borger Tegels & Sanitair

  • “Without anyone noticing, Sander manages to capture the decisive moments in a beautiful way.”

  • “He knows how to create a series of photos that vividly bring those special moments back to life. I've experienced Sander as easy-going, talented, and professional, and I'm very happy with the photos he created for me.”

    Eline

  • “Sander was assigned to document the public academy lectures on chronic pain. During the event we were surprised to barely notice him being present, and perhaps that's how he managed to create a series of photos that look both authentic and artful.”

  • “I think the photos are brilliant, the results exceeded my expectations that were already rather high!”

    Doeke Keizer - Transcare / Nij Smellinghe hospital Drachten

  • “The company you keep: Niels' colleague Sander Martens took pictures of us as a family. The idea was to make a 'report' of this particular moment in our life.”

  • “The result is...art. The photos are beautiful and funny and perfectly capture the sometimes rather crazy and chaotic atmosphere while simultaneously showing the idyllic environment within and outside the house. We're really happy with the result!”

    Stefani Nellen & Niels Taatgen

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2025

2024

2023

2022

  • 06-01-2022 - present - Dot Matrix Print - École Ducasse, Culinary school by Alain Ducasse, Paris, France.

2021

2020

2019

2018

  • 14-11-2018 - 22-12-2018 - Winterreise - Galerie Sehnsucht, Rotterdam, the Netherlands .

  • 05-10-2018 - 07-10-2018 - Ode - Oosterhouw, Leens, Groningen, the Netherlands.

  • 05-09-2018 - 07-12-2018 - Form over Function - Ophthalmology, UMCG, Groningen, the Netherlands.

  • 14-07-2018 - 15-07-2018 - Pakje Kunst - Kunstweekend, Beetsterzwaag, the Netherlands.

  • 29-06-2018 - Pakje Kunst - Voltawerk, ZuidOostZorg, Gorredijk, the Netherlands.

  • 05-03-2018 - 24-04-2018 - Perfect imperfection [Volmaakte imperfectie] - Sûnenz, Drachten, the Netherlands

  • 23-03-2018 - Pakje Kunst (2018) - Art-hotel, Oosterwolde, the Netherlands.

  • 01-02-2018 - present - Pakje Kunst - Sûnenz, Drachten, the Netherlands

  • 26-01-2018 - 04-03-2018 - Perfect imperfection [Volmaakte imperfectie] - Museum Dr888, Drachten, the Netherlands.

  • 2018 - Ann's Art Gallery - Groningen, the Netherlands.

2017

  • 02-08-2017 - 27-08-2017 - Traumzeit - Galerie Noord, Groningen, the Netherlands.

  • 20-05-2017 - 18-06-2017 - Form over Function - Fotofestival Naarden, Naarden, the Netherlands.

  • 29-01-2017 - 12-03-2017 - Masterpiece - Pictura, Groningen, the Netherlands.

  • 06-01-2017 - 05-03-2017 - Form over Function - De Herberg van Smallingerland, Rottevalle, the Netherlands.

  • 2017 - IIIII - Featured on Canon Editor's Choice.

  • 2017 - Ann's Art Gallery - Groningen, the Netherlands.

2016

  • 24-11-2016 - 29-01-2017 - New Dutch Talent (2016): Celebrating the best 100 emerging Dutch design and photography talents of 2017 - Art'otel, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

  • 19-11-2016 - 27-06-2019 - Taart - Ann's Art Gallery, Groningen, the Netherlands.

  • 2016-2018 - Form over Function - Ann's Art Gallery, Groningen, the Netherlands.

  • 27-09-2016 - Contretemps - Easterbarren, Oostermeer, the Netherlands.

2005-2015

  • 03-07-2015 - present - The fifth element - The lighthouse of Breskens, Breskens, the Netherlands.

  • 2015 - The purpose - FWA Photo of the day, FWAPhoto.com

  • 2015 - Melting point - FWA Photo of the day, FWAPhoto.com

  • 2014 - Samenwerking (1st prize) - Clear fotofestival Groningen / World Press Photo, der Aa-Kerk Groningen, the Netherlands.

  • 2014 - Verschillend gelijk (2nd prize) - Clear fotofestival Groningen / World Press Photo, der Aa-Kerk Groningen, the Netherlands.

  • 2014-2015 - Grunnen in Twijen (nominated) - Provinciehuis Groningen and 10 public libraries in Groningen, the Netherlands, Noorderbreedte / ProvincieGroningen.nl

  • 2014 - Loophole - FWA Photo of the day, FWAPhoto.com

  • 2014 - Pooh - FWA Photo of the day, FWAPhoto.com

  • 2013 - Escalating love - FWA Photo of the day, FWAPhoto.com

  • 2013 - Always on my mind - FWA Photo of the day, FWAPhoto.com

  • 2013 - Have a nice day - FWA Photo of the day, FWAPhoto.com

  • 2012 - Ballet school - Stichting Welzijn West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, Oostburg, the Netherlands.

  • 2012 - My passion (10th prize) - Headquarters Vereniging voor Arts & Auto.

  • 2010 - Mara - Stedelijke Muziekschool Groningen.

  • 2009 - Vernieuwend Groningen (nominated) - Public Library Groningen, the Netherlands / Dagblad van het Noorden.

  • 2008 - Echte mannendingen (2 x nominated) - Volkskrant Magazine.

  • 2007 - The magic of science (nominated) - Nemo Science Museum Amsterdam, the Netherlands/Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) / Volkskrant.

  • 2005 - Talent voor patient - University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands.

PF magazine (#2, 2024), New Dutch Photo Talent 2017 (book), Form over Function (book), Contretemps (book), Infoversum (book), Het Senioren Brein (book back cover), de Volkskrant, Volkskrant Magazine, de Telegraaf, telegraaf.nl, Notre Temps (French glossy magazine), Villa d'Arte, Broerstraat 5, Hersenstichting, Hersenmagazine, Lourens, Nemo Science Museum Amsterdam, Infoversum (book), Developments in endovascular aneurysm sealing (dissertation), Ups & downs: Individual Differences in the Temporal Dynamics of Attention (dissertation), Artdoc Magazine, Artdoc.photo, FWAPhoto.com, Clear fotofestival Groningen/World Press Photo exhibition, didyousayeager.com, Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, Arts & Auto, FNV Senior, Pi (Project & Interieur), Nautisch Nieuws Scheldegebied, de Bovenverdieping, SHA_RE light sculpture/University Library Groningen, Stad & Toga, Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Stedelijke Muziekschool Groningen, Provinciehuis Groningen and 10 public libraries, 10 locations of ZuidOostZorg, 50plusinNederland.nl, lawei.nl, nachtvandeliefde.nl, Theaterkrant, broekenbuuren.nl, Klankwijzer, Glasnost, Plan Oosterhouw, Pakje Kunst, Noorderbreedte / ProvincieGroningen.nl, 4barsrest.com, archdaily.com, plataformaarquitectura.cl, milimet.com, jovarq.com, stealmag.com, enlacearquitecturna.com, socializarq.com, architbang.com, room-digital.com, aeccafe.com, noorderzon.nl, NL50, de Polsslag, BCN magazine, Mindwise, MarvelousMind, Surhuisterveen.com, bidbook Surhuisterveen, Wielrennensurhuisterveen.nl, Dagblad van het Noorden, het Friesch dagblad, de Feanster, Het Westerkwartier, Leeuwarder Courant, Actief, Nieuwsblad Noordoost Friesland, Drachtster Courant, Kollumer Courant, Ter Apeler Courant, Veendammer, Harderwijker Courant, Doarpsbled Harkema, Westerkrant