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Simone Zavagli Mattotti
Founded in 2008 by Rina Zavagli, Galerie Martel has established itself as a pioneer in promoting graphic and narrative arts. Far from limiting itself to the traditional frameworks of contemporary art, this Parisian gallery has taken the bold step of championing comics as an art form in its own right—an avant-garde vision that has earned it international recognition today. In November 2024, the gallery reached a new milestone by opening a second space in Brussels, at 337 Chaussée d'Ixelles, further strengthening its mission of breaking down artistic barriers.
A place of expression for multidisciplinary artists 5y5a8
Since its inception, Galerie Martel has paid particular attention to the diversity of artistic practices. Whether in painting, illustration, animation, or comics, it welcomes artists whose visual language transcends established categories. Major figures such as Art Spiegelman and Lorenzo Mattotti rub shoulders with promising young talents such as Zéphyr and Yann Kebbi, revealing a panorama as rich as it is unique.
Currently, the Brussels space is showcasing the works of Brecht Vandenbroucke, a Flemish artist whose work draws inspiration from masters of primitive painting such as Bosch and Pieter Bruegel, while blending them with references from contemporary digital and television culture. A striking encounter between past and present, typical of the gallery's artistic approach.
Brecht Vandenbroucke, In the Trail of St. Christopher, 2022, acrylic painting on paper, 110 x 73 cm
A space for contemplation and discovery i4a6n
The gallery's carefully chosen location in Brussels's Ixelles district is no coincidence. This rapidly transforming area, in search of an identity, offers a diversity of atmospheres from one street to the next. When Rina Zavagli and her team first discovered this bright, multi-lane space, they immediately perceived an echo of their former Parisian address. But here, the typically Brussels architecture brings a new dynamic, with elongated volumes characteristic of the city's buildings, and a magnificent little garden that gives the space a unique touch.
What began as a potential space quickly became a project: it took several months of work to transform this space into a true gem. Today, this "little gem" fully reflects the gallery's spirit: warm, open, and lively. The two flower-filled patios, true havens of calm, contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive to contemplation.
The gallery relies on this conviviality to spark the public's curiosity. ersby attracted by a work in the window, art lovers looking for new discoveries, or collectors from New York, Singapore, or elsewhere: all find an attentive welcome, conducive to dialogue. For Rina Zavagli, it is essential that the gallery remains a vibrant place, where people enter by desire, by chance, or by ion—and where they also discover new artists who make the place beat faster.
A cutting-edge program with global reach 6dx6n
Although its editorial line is deliberately specialized, Galerie Martel benefits from a broad audience. Its regular presence at fairs such as Drawing Now and Art Paris demonstrates its ability to innovate while asserting a strong vision of graphic art. These exhibitions and participations have allowed numerous artists to develop new visual styles, encouraging them to push the boundaries of their medium.
The gallery also develops partnerships with major cultural institutions, from the Centre Pompidou to the Fondation Cartier, as well as international museums such as the Cartoon Museum in Basel and the Palazzo Blu in Italy. These collaborations strengthen its role as a bridge between art scenes, museums, and the general public.
Lorenzo Mattotti Dal balcone, 2025, acrylic painting on canvas, 140 x 92 cm
A commitment to the service of creation 4p1z5s
Beyond the artwork, Galerie Martel is driven by a true philosophy of artistic . By rejecting hierarchies between art forms, it offers artists a space for freedom, experimentation, and recognition. The human connection is central: exchanges with artists, visitors, and collectors are at the heart of the experience.
By championing comics as a complete art form, creating welcoming and sophisticated spaces, and fostering the emergence of new visual voices, Galerie Martel is helping to redraw the contours of the contemporary artistic landscape. In a constantly changing world, it reminds us that graphic art is not just something to be viewed, but to be fully experienced.
Nicolas Sarazin 
