Zen Marie was born in Durban South Africa, in 1980. He studied photography at the Market Photo Workshop in 1995 and thereafter completed a BAFA degree (with distinction) majoring in sculpture, at the University of Cape Town in 2001. Alongside this artistic training, Marie went on to pursue two post graduate studies: a two year studio residency at de-ateliers in Amsterdam and a Masters degree at the Amsterdam School of Cultural Analysis, based at the University of Amsterdam where he graduated in 2006 (also with distinction).