Bronze in Nature/Trees / 2026 / Nature / Trees

• Prize
  Bronze in Nature/Trees
• Photographer
  Marcel van Beek, Germany
• Date of Photograph
  2022-2025
• Website
  https://www.marcelvanbeek.de
• Instagram
  @_marcel_van_beek_

"Waldweben" (Forest Weaving) is a romantic exploration of the woodland as a living, sentient space. Arranged in a narrative arc from ethereal light to grounded strength, the series focuses on the anthropomorphic qualities of ancient trees—their rhythmic branches and tenacious roots. Through a sophisticated monochromatic palette, the work captures the "Waldstimmung", rendering the forest as a tapestry of sculptural shadows. These images invite a meditative encounter with the "genius loci", where trees act as silent protagonists in a timeless drama of growth and persistence.

Marcel van Beek (b. 1990) is a contemporary fine art photographer whose work explores the intersection of functional landscapes and ecological transformation. His practice constitutes a meticulous study of space, navigating the boundaries between expansive landscapes and densifying cityscapes. In collaboration with scientific institutions like the UFZ Leipzig, he translates complex environmental systems into a reduced, painterly visual language. Van Beek’s work transcends traditional photography, offering a tactile, cinematic meditation on a world in flux.

Awards Curators' Pick, Artsy (2025)
Featured in "In Focus" programme, Singulart (2025)
2nd, 3rd Place Subcategories, Phi Photo Awards 2026
Multiple Platinum & Gold Winnings, MUSE Photography Awards 2026
2 Nominations, Fine Art Photography Awards 2026
Editors' Picks, LensCulture: Critics' Award (2026) & Minimalist Photography Awards (2026)