MAY 6, 2008

 

"Where Times Collide and Traditions Mingle" René Clement, a photojournalist from the Netherlands now working in New York City, will again visit Orange City during the annual Tulip Festival (May 15 to 17). His photos from previous visits have led to a multi-photo feature in the Dutch magazine Nieuwe Revu.   In addition, Veenman Publishers in The Netherlands, working with D.A.P. distributors in New York, will publish a book featuring his Orange City photos, planned for early in 2009. Clement describes this project, based on a series of pictures taken in Orange City, IA over several years, as "a combination of Dutch tradition and American popular culture. I don't intend to make a documentary but am seeking to create a new world, a fantasy world inspired by the Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer from the 'Golden Age'.  I combine this with American, largely Hollywood movie-inspired, modern iconography. Being from The Netherlands I was captivated from the first time I visited Orange City, now three years ago. The strangeness of a modern American town framed with Dutch facades, gives Orange City a stage-like quality, where times collide and traditions mingle."  (For additional details on Clement, see  www.reneclement.com). For information and a schedule of events for the Orange City Tulip Festival click octulipfestival.com

Photos Copyright Rene Clement  

NOTE: 1st photo is a 2-page spread in Nieuwe Revu.

Note: The Sinterklaas photos were shot during Clement's visit to Orange City this past January.

"Sinterklaas" is wearing a costume borrowed from the Dutch Consulate in New York.