The land is empty, but not abandoned. The people mind their own business, but don’t hide. The land over the IJssel has its own laws for beauty and peace.
In the commune of Heerde, over the IJssel you find the villages of Vorchten and Veessen. Vorchten has 185 inhabitants. In the centre of the village you find the Reformed Church, still a binding factor in the rural community. Veessen has 380 inhabitants, including the outer areas of the village, 670. In Veessen there is a primary school and one shop. Originally the village was inhabited by workers who worked in the local brick factory. In the summer you can cross the river with a small ferry. For youth growing up here, there is nothing, but at the same time they have everything. With space, freedom and creativity the possibilities are limitless in the country; you just have to make something of it yourself. Here you find people who are used to getting to work.
About Kees Muizelaar
For over 10 years, Kees (1983) has been active as a freelance photographer. With a particular eye for detail, a keen eye and a wealth of experience he captures loads of images. From ordinary and professional to very intimate.
In 2011 he graduated from the College of the Arts in Utrecht, focussing on documentary photography. Kees finds with his camera what is already there, but where most people forget to watch. With his characteristic melancholic, even poetic images, he shoots portraits with respect for the subject. Muizelaar made his name with publications in De Volkskrant, NRC and expositions of his work in Museum of Photography in The Hague and the Frysian Museum. [Official Website]
