Xavier Portela, a visionary creative director and photographer based in Brussels, transports us into a mesmerizing spectacle with his latest series, “New York Glow II”. This installment finds its origins high above the bustling cityscape, where a symphony of neon hues dances across iconic landmarks and urban sprawl alike. Portela’s unique ability to encapsulate the vibrancy of city nights brings the glow of New York to life in an entirely new dimension. By blending photography with imaginative artistry, he captures the pulsating energy and electric essence of the Big Apple. The luminous tapestry he weaves transforms the city into a sprawling canvas, accentuated by the juxtaposition of artificial and natural light. It’s an exploration that supersedes mere documentation, offering a dynamic look into the heart of a world-famous metropolis bathed in neon brilliance.
“New York Glow II” transcends its predecessor by embracing an aerial vantage point, allowing Portela to reveal the architectural symphony of the skyline with a kaleidoscopic intensity. This new perspective underscores the city’s perpetual motion, echoing its status as a global nucleus of culture and innovation. Each photograph is a narrative waiting to unfold, where lights not only illuminate the city but also breathe life into its myriad stories. The vibrancy of the neon palette blushes and bleeds into the darkness, illustrating a city that never sleeps, one that is constantly evolving and re-imagining itself. Portela’s work is more than a series of images; it is an emotive odyssey into the heart of New York’s nocturnal soul, capturing the dynamic dichotomy of urban life through the lens of a creative trailblazer.
Over the last ten years, I traveled to New York six times. However last time, while working on my glow project around Times Square, I also took another point of view over the city. So here is the second part of this collection about New York, this time from a helicopter.
Xavier Portela
More info: Website, Behance, Instagram, Pinterest (h/t: Xposure).
