Hollandsche Nieuwe

The series Hollandse Nieuwe (2023) is a thought-provoking exploration of national identity and heritage through the lens of contemporary diversity. With her signature approach, Lies de Rooij captures a layered conversation about what it means to be proud of one’s heritage without falling into the trap of nationalism. Through these photographs, de Rooij challenges the reductive stereotypes often associated with heritage, offering a much more nuanced view of the modern-day Dutch identity—one that is far from monolithic.

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The series takes inspiration from traditional Dutch iconography—that have been used to reinforce notions of national pride and belonging.

 

However, in Hollandse Nieuwe, she intentionally disrupts these historical associations, reflecting on how these symbols no longer serve as accurate representations of today’s society. As global migration and cultural exchange redefine the nation, what does it truly mean to be Dutch?

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