life in the mystery of the in-between
Solo art exhibition on display at Gallery 44 Member’s Gallery, Toronto. Nov 28, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026.
Artist Statement
Already, Not Yet explores the tension of the in-between, where belonging and faith grow in complexity. Drawing on film photographs taken while revisiting my childhood homes in southern France, I use this series to lean into the bittersweetness of returning to once-familiar landscapes. The warmth of nostalgia blends into the ache of knowing that one no longer fully belongs.
Mirroring the fluidity of belonging, faith and beliefs are also subject to transformation. This series engages the theological notion of the “already, but not yet,” the space between what is known and what is still becoming. Within this liminal space, certainty gives way to deeper complexity, valuing contemplation over resolution. The viewer is invited to reflect:
What does it mean to live in the mystery of the in-between?
Using an experimental cyano-lumen process, these prints combine multiple exposures of cyanotype chemistry on photographic paper with materials such as tannin powder, turmeric and bleach. Subject to chance and chemistry, this method embodies the unpredictability of transformation.
A look into the process
How do you make a cyano-lumen print?
1 - Coat photo paper with light-sensitive cyanotype chemicals and let dry.
2 - Place a negative on the paper and expose it to UV light.
3 - Wash off excess chemicals and let dry.
4 - Enjoy the bright blue colours!
You’ve made a cyanolumen print! But… why not take it a few steps further?
5 - Tone the print in baths (teas, tannin powder, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, etc) to alter the colour.
6 - Add toning elements (turmeric, teas, soap, wine tannin, pomegranate powder, etc) to create abstract effects.
7 - Re-coat the print with cyanotype chemicals and re-expose.
8 - Experiment by adding layers of multiple exposures and toners.
9 - Realize you’ve spent 8 hours in the darkroom and have to call it quits at some point!
10 - Voilà! (…and make sure to clean up)
Behind-The-Scenes
Coating photo paper with light-sensitive cyanotype chemicals.
Getting negative and paper ready for exposure.
Washing off excess chemicals.
Enjoying the bright blue colours!
Toning the prints in tea baths to alter the colour.
A print toned in bleach.
Toning tests.
Toners added to a print.
Test print.
Many hours spent in the darkroom!
Coating certain areas of a print with toners.
Using the full sink and drying rack.
Install day!
Setting up for the show.
Final Pieces
Finite, Eternal
Lost, Found
Sacred, Ordinary
Unknown, Familiar
Present, Promised
Once, Again
Here, Beyond
Foreign, Native
Seed, Harvest
Home, Away
Broken, Complete
Return, Arrival
Still, Moving
Store
For all sales inquiries, contact malikdieleman@gmail.com.
Signed digital art print. Limited Edition.
$5 for Shipping in Canada, $15 everywhere else.
For all sale inquiries, contact malikdieleman@gmail.com.
Signed photo book featuring all the images from Already, Not Yet series. 8×8in softcover.
Limited edition.
$8 shipping within Canada.
For all sale inquiries, contact malikdieleman@gmail.com.
Signed 12×16in original print from Already, Not Yet series, displayed at Gallery 44’s Member’s Gallery. Includes 16×20in frame (plexiglass, mat, wood frame).
For unframed original print, contact Malik.
Shipping not included.
For all sale inquiries, contact malikdieleman@gmail.com.