Project: Unterbilk
Photographic art project about the Unterbilk district in Düsseldorf, Germany
Project start: November 2025
Project status: active
Bilk is one of the oldest settled areas of Düsseldorf and was first mentioned in the 8th century. What began as a small village south of the early town center grew into a rapidly developing urban area in the 19th century. Underbilk emerged during this time as its own neighborhood, shaped by workers’ housing, the new railway connection, and its proximity to Düsseldorf’s harbor on the Rhine River.
Geographically, Underbilk is centrally located in the southwestern part of the city: it borders the neighborhoods of Friedrichstadt and Carlstadt to the north, the harbor district and the Rhine riverfront to the east, and today’s Bilk to the south and southwest. The area is densely built and still shows a mix of historic residential buildings, modern architecture, and the extensively redeveloped harbor/media district. This gives Underbilk a lively, urban character where old city structure and contemporary design appear directly side by side.
About the project
The idea came from the thought that the diversity of this neighborhood offers a fascinating foundation for a photographic project. I went to school in Unterbilk, spent part of my childhood and youth there, and therefore feel a strong personal connection.
Like in almost any city, each neighborhood has its own atmosphere and character—shaped by its history, architecture, and especially its people. Unterbilk is no different.
However, this project is not meant to be a traditional neighborhood portrait that simply showcases beautiful historic buildings, modern architecture, attractive streets, or popular cafés. There are already plenty of those—and for good reason, since Unterbilk has a lot to offer.
Instead, I want to create photographic work that reflects my personal response to this neighborhood. I want to dig a little deeper: to explore very personal perspectives and elements that are usually not shown in typical neighborhood portraits. This goal is still beyond my current abilities, and that is exactly where I hope to grow and further develop my artistic expression.
Series: Berlin Summer 2023
A series of images created during a stay in Berlin
This is the initial series from which Wollbon.Art ultimately emerged
Series start: Summer 2023
Series status: completed