Jo Maes
Jo Maes
Jo Maes was a Belgian painter and designer, active in both applied arts and interior architecture. He left a lasting artistic mark on the cityscape of Ostend. For example, he created two monumental ceramic wall pieces in the counter hall of the former Main Post Office on Hendrik Serruyslaan, now known as De Grote Post.In addition, Maes designed window decorations for the Casino-Kursaal in Ostend, a building by architect Léon Stynen, and created reliefs for the façade of the municipal school in Bredene. His work reflects a strong connection between art, architecture and public space.
After twenty years, the stained glass windows can once again be admired by the public.
Some of these windows were designed by Jo Maes, the only Ostend-based artist who was commissioned to create a work for the Kursaal.
The recently restored stained glass windows shine once again in full glory, subtly highlighted with indirect lighting. The original design drawings by Jo Maes have also been preserved and form a valuable part of his artistic legacy.
