Daniel Nicolas: Island

The curtain has come down on sanctuary Het Havenstraatterrein in Amsterdam-Zuid. The residents of one of the last frayed edges of the city have lost their battle after years of fighting the municipality. The sheds of creatives, garages, vintage clothing sellers and artists must make way for new construction. 

For two years, photographer Daniel Nicolas followed the site and its residents, workers and hobbyists. He had virtually unlimited access to photograph whatever he wanted, at his convenience.

The area consisted of metal sheds and was mainly characterized by the fascinating people who resided there. Museum streetcars were also restored there and the site served as the setting for films and series, including "Mocro Mafia."

What made this site special was that it was in the middle of the city, on precious land. It felt like an isolated island, surrounded by urban bustle. Such places used to be found in the suburbs of many Western cities, but were usually sacrificed to urban sprawl. However, the Harbour Street area, created in the 1970s, has managed to survive all this time. Such places offer cities space for experimentation and freedom, a respite from the hectic.

Daniel Nicolas' beautiful coffee table book "Island" definitively captures a period, a place and a way of life that will be lost forever. It is a valuable reminder for Amsterdam, but at the same time a tribute to similar places worldwide that are disappearing for similar reasons.

Specifications
Title: Island
Author: Daniel Nicolas
Size: 240 x 300 mm
Size: 248 pages
Language: English
Material: Hardcover
ISBN: 9789090381923

MOKUMO is a purveyor of Amsterdam books featuring city photography, art, history, restaurants, local makers and Amsterdam topics.