New York: Serge Ramelli

Impressive snapshots show the mega-city in all its beauty

Highlights and unknown corners of New York in brilliant images merge into an atmospheric, film-like overall portrait

Lively and quiet moments in the city that never sleeps.

In a fascinating way, the French photographer and YouTube star shows us the changeable character of New York, this time in colour: obtrusively colourful neon signs, pulsating hustle and bustle on the avenues next to atmospheric sunrises over the awakening city or empty streets without a trace of human life.

In Serge Ramelli's photos, people play a rather subordinate role. What matters is the setting, the mood, the light, the environment. Typical elements and sights are always depicted as no city visitor has ever seen them, except in his dreams - or in a film. Because that is what Ramelli masters: elevating everyday scenes to cinematic ones. So you look spellbound at the scenery that reveals itself to you. What will happen in the next moment? Or will only the colourful shades that the passing dawn evokes change for the time being? Those who are already familiar with Ramelli's black-and-white photographs of New York will be surprised at the side of the city that is now revealed to them in colour. The yellow cabs and traffic lights appear highlighted, natural and artificial light compete with each other. Times Square, Broadway, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, everyone has a different, mostly romantic association with the many icons that this city calls its own, through a book, a film, a song or perhaps a visit there. It is guaranteed to be discovered somewhere in these photographs. The question remains when the photographer was able to catch those moments that give us this multi-faceted trip through the city. Even if it remains his secret, the book once again offers great cinema, now finally also in colour.