Harry Wijsbroek - Exploring Emptiness in the City of Rotterdam

Introduction

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When the world came to a standstill in 2020 due to the pandemic, it also affected the city of Rotterdam, where photographer Harry Wijsbroek lives. The crowds disappeared, routines changed in a very short time and the city found a new balance. Man continued to live, adapting to new circumstances, while the city lived on too, untouched.

A Journey Through Emptiness

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The pandemic inspired Harry to create a series of photographs capturing the essence of emptiness. These cityscapes showcase the loneliness and impersonality he felt during the unprecedented year of 2020. Harry became much more aware of this emptiness, but also of the charm in these scenes. He started capturing these 'still lives' of his city, highlighting the beauty in the desolation.

The Fascination with Emptiness

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Harry Wijsbroek has always had a fascination for the sober, the kept distance, and sometimes darkness in images, films, and music. For him, emptiness represents "the big nothing" - a sense of melancholy, desolation, hurt, the harshness, and anonymity of the city. Inspired by the first great color photographers, Harry uses photography to emphasize the beauty in the ugliness, finding power in simplicity to transform 'nothing' into a pleasing and empty portrait of the city.

Conclusion

Harry Wijsbroek's exploration of emptiness in the city of Rotterdam offers a unique perspective on the impact of the pandemic. Through his photographs, he portrays the solitude and impersonal nature that emerged in the city during 2020. However, amidst the emptiness, there is a beauty that can be found, as Harry captures the charm and simplicity of these scenes. His work reminds us that even in the seemingly ordinary or empty, there is a hidden allure waiting to be discovered.

Hotels and Harry Wijsbroek

Speaking of the charm of cities, hotels play a significant role in shaping the urban experience. Just like Harry Wijsbroek, hotels have had to adapt to the new circumstances brought about by the pandemic. The bustling lobbies and lively guests have temporarily given way to a quieter ambiance. However, as the world slowly recovers, hotels will resume their vital role in providing comfort, warmth, and a sense of place for travelers to experience the essence of a city. Just as Harry captures the emptiness and charm of Rotterdam, hotels are constant witnesses to the ever-evolving stories of the cities they reside in.