Photographer's Profile
Marcel van Beek
Germany
Marcel van Beek is a Leipzig-based contemporary photographic artist whose work operates at the intersection of fine art, conceptual research, and environmental science. His practice focuses on the invisible forces of ecological transformation, translating fluid processes and scientific phenomena into minimalist visual narratives. Van Beek’s distinct conceptual approach has earned him international institutional recognition. He was selected as a finalist for the prestigious YICCA Art Prize 2026, showcasing his work in the final physical exhibition in Milan. His series have been exhibited globally, with notable features at the Off Festival in Arles (France) and prominent contemporary photography spaces in the United States, including the Praxis Gallery & Photo Arts Center (Minneapolis) and the SE Center for Photography (South Carolina). A defining element of his practice is the synthesis of art and academic research. Van Beek regularly collaborates on artistic and photographic research projects with leading scientific institutions, most notably the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), the German Federal Environmental Agency, and various university departments. Through these collaborations, he gains access to ecological data and scientific environments, allowing him to ground his aesthetic investigations in rigorous contemporary discourse.
