The Gateway to America

by Kirsten Kortleven

On the quay of Rotterdam's Wilhelmina Pier, the past and the present come together in a unique way. In this work, I captured the iconic facade of Hotel New York, the former headquarters of the Holland America Line, while the modern World Port Center tower rises like a mighty shadow behind it. It is an image full of layers: from the distinctive clock towers to the modern water taxis waiting at the bottom of the quay for their next passenger.

As a street photographer, I get inspired time and again by the transformation of Rotterdam. This image was created during a ramble along the river Maas, where the sunlight precisely accentuated the textures of both the old brickwork and the modern steel. By omitting colour and opting for a monochrome finish with warm undertones, I created an atmosphere of tranquillity and timelessness.

For me, this work symbolises resilience; how a city grows without losing its roots. In an interior, this image makes a powerful statement. It brings the dynamics of the metropolis into the home, but at the same time offers a point of rest through its warm, nostalgic atmosphere. It is an ode to the city that is never finished, captured in one still moment.