NEW YORK LOVE STORY BY PHOTOGRAPHER KARSTEN STAIGER

“I would give the greatest sunset in the world for one sight of New York’s skyline”— Ayn Rand

Today we visit 28 Liberty Street in New York, where the project New York Love Story is currently on display. This exclusive year-long installation features over 40 large-format works by German photographer Karsten Staiger.

Karsten Staiger has been in love with the city since he immigrated to NYC more than 20 years ago. Since then, he has documented the city from the rooftops, even risking his life to capture the essence of one of the most iconic cities in the world.

New York Love Story is a unique artistic portrait that captures the spirit and grandiosity of New York City. Each photography from above is a love letter that Karsten Staiger has written to his beloved NYC.

This personal homage to NYC is a masterpiece, just as Woody Allen’s Manhattan opening sequence or George Gershwin’s wonderful Rhapsody in Blue.

World Kids: Did you choose NY or did the city choose you?

Karsten Staiger: New York defiantly chose me. It was not on my radar. I came in 1995 and instantly felt at home.

What motivated you to do such a passionate and personal homage to NY?

Documenting the City from above became an escape and refuge from the hectic city below me. 

Even as a kid growing up in the Black Forest I had a thing for heights: I climbed tall trees and built treehouses.  Even my first years in the city were often spent painting on the rooftops.

When they started developing the first medium cameras in the late 90s I started taking it out of my studio and onto rooftops. This quickly became an obsession. 

What does photography mean to you?

It is a tool for me to capture how to see the world and also escape.

Where is the best place to fall in love with the city?

That would be almost anywhere in New York. Of course, I have to say “on a roof” but it can happen in an instant, even walking down the street.  Something new and exiting can be just around the corner, you just need to say YES to the city.

Which photographer has influenced you the most?

I don’t have a simple answer for that – photographers whose work I love include Mark Seliger, Jimmy Nelson, Mick Rock, Annie Leibovitz.

Where do you find your daily inspiration?

To stay inspired, I approach the end of each day workday on a good note. So when I get up the next day I’m excited to keep working.

Would you mind sharing with World Kids your favorite books in your childhood? What books are you currently reading?

I grew up in Germany. I can recall popular traditional children’s stories like Der Struwwelpeter, Fuenf Freunde  (The Famous Five) and Die Drei. These days I listen mostly to Audiobooks.

All the photos included in this post are courtesy of Karsten Staiger. Please do not use these photos without the artist’s permission.