Leiden

Leiden is Oxford’s oldest twin, having been established immediately after the Second World War. Both cities share much in terms of ancient universities which, along with their students on bikes, permeate their respective cities, fine architecture and a rich cultural life. It has been estimated that 10,000 people have travelled between our cities since 1946, on visits which have involve education, culture, sport and social activities.

Eelkje Colmjon studied photography in Amsterdam and lives in Leiden. She is currently a freelance photographer and works for several companies and magazines. In her work the human being and what makes us human plays a key role. She travels all over the globe to make intimate portraits of the people she meets. In 2019 she was chosen as The City Photographer of her hometown, Leiden.

With the series ‘The Future is Now’ Eelkje has captured the dreams and fears of inspiring people with a mission. She writes:

A surfer who fights against plastic soup, an artist who creates floating cities, a twelve-year-old boy who wants to go to the moon .... I was looking for idealists and dreamers. And I found them: passionate people who wanted to share their dreams, and who gave us a glimpse into the future. I show the world of tomorrow - sometimes seriously, but often also with humour.

Eelkje Colmjon, City Photographer of Leiden, 2019-2020 www.EELK.nl