America downtown: a photographic story.
Marcel has always been drawn to the stories American cities told through their architecture, their streets, and the people who walked them. As a photographer, he decided to embark on an ongoing black & white project that captures the soul of downtown America, a place where history and modernity collide. His goal is to answer a pressing question: Did downtown need saving, or has it already died? Not to be judgmental or biased, but purely journalistic.
Once a booming hub of industry, 
downtown now bore the scars of economic decline. Marcel’s lens captured the contrast between grand, decaying buildings and the vibrant street art that breathed new life into abandoned walls. He found hope in the small businesses cropping up amidst the ruins, each a testament to the city’s resilience.
The haunting emptiness of forgotten areas created a visual dialogue about survival and rebirth. Marcel’s photographs revealed the raw beauty of abandoned structures, their peeling paint and crumbling facades telling stories of a bygone era.Yet, amidst the decay, he also found pockets of vibrant life. Street performers entertained small crowds, independent coffee shops buzzed with activity, and local artisans showcased their wares in pop-up markets.
As Marcel traveled across America, he discovered that the challenges facing downtown were not unique to a single city.From the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt, downtowns shared a common struggle: how to adapt to a changing economy and remain relevant in the 21st century.
In some cities, downtown revitalization efforts had been
successful. New developments, such as mixed-use complexes and cultural institutions, had brought life back to the urban core. In others, the decline was more
pronounced, with vacant storefronts and boarded-up windows dominating the landscape.
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Memphis Tennessee, is iets dat je moet beleven en moet zien.[/caption]
Marcel’s photographs offered a nuanced perspective on downtown America. They showcased both the challenges and the opportunities, the decay and the resilience. Through his lens, viewers could see the city’s past, present, and future, and decide for themselves whether downtown needed saving or had already died.
