Blijdrecht, August 2010, Amstelveen, May 2010 Budapest, April 2010 Innsbruck, November 2009 Den Bosch, July 2009 Zurich, July 2009 Luxembourg, May 2009 Stavelot, May 2009 Zagreb, April 2009 Novo Mesto, April 2009 London, March 2009 St. Savinien, February 2009 Seville, January 2009 Lisbon, January 2009 New York, November 2008
View slideshow (takes a few seconds to load)
Independent from Spain in the 16th century, the Netherlands became a republic. The first ruler (stadhouder) of the Dutch Republic was William of Orange. The first flag adopted by the Dutch was a horizontal tricolour of orange, white and blue. In the mid-17th century, red was made the official colour. In 1814 the Netherlands became a kingdom and still is today.
Ardvanderlinden painted together with local people on the historical market of 's-Hertogenbosch. In changing weather conditions we created a field of 1600 flags. Painting in your hometown is totally different than painting abroad. Dutchmen didn't explain us the history and meaning of our flag and our country. The Dutch people are very curious and direct, asking us many questions. What are you doing?!? Where is this all about?!? We answered all and also gave interviews to NOS headlines and newspapers to explain why we are creating fields of flags.
Many connected with the idea of one mankind, but committed it's hard to practice what you preach. It's remarkable how many Dutch people relate their sharing with others to their religion. The older people want the Dutch to be more proud of their country and the younger generation seems to care less. Some statements:
"I am sure if you look from up there it has a meaning"
"No, I don't paint it is my first holiday"
Unfortunately it started to rain in the afternoon and we had to pack our flags. We could not hand out flags, but will send flags to politicians to spread our message "unity through identity". Thank you Den Bosch!
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
User reactions: Roel you're the best..... Vlijmen!!!! Great guys! Very interesting, I hope your project will get a lot of attention. It is an excellent idea. All the best, Karel Janssen toch weer gelukt, volgende keer heel het plein vol, woensdag gehaktdag=de markt rond I love DB! keep up the good work! Ik wist nie eerst wat ik moest denken, maar helemaal top nu! Doorpakken mannen. Succes nog. Yey! Holland!! Leuk hoor! |