Born in 1964, Dutch visual artist Marcel Heijnen is driven by an enduring optimism & curiosity about life and its many layers of meaning. While living in rapidly changing cities, Marcel noticed the weathered walls of old buildings that seemed to coexist alongside many new architectural developments. This inspired him to capture different aspects of fast-growing Asian cities to express the impermanence of urbanisation.

Inspired by the Zen philosophy, Wabi-sabi, he applies the concept: “nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect” in his creations. He aims to capture change – using still images – to show that everything is a process, in continuous flux.

The ‘Residue’ series is about duality & paradox. Marcel Heijnen has innovated a simple yet unique & imaginative method to capture and present an alternate visual reality of our world. He roams Asia’s urban centres to find weathered walls, then places his large glass panel in front of them. He waits for the light to hit nearby buildings just right so he can steal their glimpses off the glass, emphasising the fa- cade’s patina. Two realities collapsed into one. Capturing solely what is there at that very moment.

Gallery address: 32-34 Tai Ping Shan, Sheung Wan