“The Rotterdame”
35 meter x 4 meter
Spray paint and latex on wall
De Marin building, Rijstuin, Rotterdam NL.
Tymon de Laat 2024

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The opportunities to paint a facade of this size in the heart of my hometown are few and far between. This wall which is a continueation of a mural called “smooth sailing” made in 2019 tells a story about Rotterdam, a once gritty, hardworking and somewhat hard to navigate city has been undergoing a massive transition in the last 10 to 15 years. More pathways with green areas, increasing public art on display, improved layout next to the already edgy architectural splendour has made Rotterdam more friendly to the tourists eye. From what once was a place where you needed a local to help find the gems it is now a place that can be traversed with ease. The metaphore I want to use is as if the city is a young woman that has left adolescence and comes into adulthood. Losing her pimples and puberty and flourishing into a beautiful young female with her gaze set on the horizon. I hereby present the Rotterdame.

To date I have not managed to find the girl who was kind enough to allow me to photograph her to be the model for this wall and the search continues. It would mean a lot to be able to tell her she is painted on a building. All i know is that she probably follows my IG and that she is from Wahington state USA and was photographed on the pier in Santa Cruz when she was visiting with her parents. If you can help share this last image than that would be much appreciated. ❤️

This project has been made possible by the team of VVE de Marin and Cultuur Concreet , thank you for your support and this opportunity. Also a big thanks goes out to Riwal Benelux and Drone Vision for their support throughout.