Passion for Rotterdam

"Do you know that feeling of pride when you drive on the highway to Rotterdam and see the iconic high-rise buildings looming on the horizon? Every time again, the impressive skyline gives me goosebumps. It is this skyline that gives Rotterdam its unique allure as a world city.

Like many Rotterdammers, I carry the city on the Maas deep in my heart. The combination of its cosmopolitan appearance, constant change and almost un-Dutch character means that no other city inspires me to draw as much.

Rotterdammers are proud of their city – and they like to show it. With the Art of Rotterdam collection, they can bring this love home, or give a unique work of art as a gift to other lovers of this special city."

Govert van der Heijden (1985)

Art of Rotterdam studio

Technology

My drawings are characterized by strong contrasts, repetitive patterns, sharp angles and intense black areas full of details. I work almost exclusively in black and white and gray tones, because this brings out the essence of my subjects. When drawing urban elements, I constantly make conscious choices: what is truly characteristic of a building or place, and what can be left out? This results in handmade Rotterdam posters that perfectly capture the unique atmosphere of the city.

My work is created on a digital drawing screen, which gives me the creative freedom to work with precision. In addition, this technique ensures that the lines on the final prints are razor-sharp, so that every detail comes into its own. In this way, I offer unique wall decoration from Rotterdam , which is both modern and timeless and fits perfectly into any interior.

CV

After studying Illustration at the Willem de Kooning Academy and completing the Bachelor Media & Culture and the Master Film Studies at the University of Amsterdam, I started my career as an independent visual artist under Govart.nl . Since then I have worked for various clients, often with an urban planning background, including the Architecture Institute Rotterdam, KPN, ING, Municipality of Capelle aan den IJssel, NS, Dorp, Stad & Land, Yellow Concepts, Erasmus University, QWIC and Conclusion ForeyeT

In addition to my work as a visual artist, I am active as a senior visual designer at Flatland Agency . Here I support organizations in developing their ideas, complex processes and strategies by visually translating them into drawings, animations and interactive tools.

Exhibitions & publications

May 2024 - Article 'Rotterdam awaits another wave of tower construction', Algemeen Dagblad

April 2023 - Ginvi Art Gallery, Rotterdam

May 2021 - 'Govert makes amazing drawings of Rotterdam (you want to give and receive them as a gift)', In de Buurt

March 2021 - Present Son of a Brand, Rotterdam

December 2020 - RTMXL, Instagram

February 2019 - Mega district with 5,000 homes (with a view of Rotterdam) must help against housing shortage, Algemeen Dagblad

December 2018 - 'Framed light', Fey'n Spul, Feyenoord Magazine

January 2018 - Mywebwinkel stand, Webwinkelvakdagen 2018

March 2017 - December 2020 Hutspot, Rotterdam

November 2017 - Interview, Mywebstore

January 2017 - New Year's reception Rotterdam Partners Laurenskerk, Rotterdam

December 2016 - Swan Market Van Nellefabriek, Rotterdam

October 2016 - Present At Loes, Rotterdam

August 2016 - Opening Rotterdam, I Love You Shop, Rotterdam

August - October 2016 Galerie Colours, Art and Coffee, Rotterdam

July 2016 - Blijdorp Urban Village, Rotterdam

July 2016 - Swan Market Museumplein, Rotterdam

April - June 2016 MacDaddy, Rotterdam

February 2016 - Tour d'Amour Wholesale Building, Rotterdam

November 2015 - Presentation of the Great Rotterdam Art Calendar 2016 Robert van Oosterom Interiors & Fine Art, Rotterdam

November 2015 - Gallery de Kunstkop

June 2010 - Galerie de Leeuw, Ministry of the Interior, The Hague

December 2009 - Lev Kaupas, Amsterdam

November 2009 - Spotstore, Amsterdam

May 2009 - Ekko, Utrecht