Een reis door het Rijk der Spreekwoorden, Uitdrukkingen en Gezegden.

Linguistic gems
In a digital world where traditional proverbs are slowly disappearing, I am going on an expedition through the Realm of Proverbs, Expressions, and Sayings. These linguistic gems not only tell us about the history of the Dutch language but also serve as mirrors reflecting human experiences and emotions. They capture wisdom, humor, and social reflection within vivid metaphors.

Through the Looking Glass
Much like in the stories of Alice in Wonderland, where Alice steps through the looking glass into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, I want to invite younger generations into a world that previously did not exist. Here, the supernatural is enhanced by the personifications and rich metaphors that proverbs offer — a representation of my love for fairy tales where for example animals are given human traits, creating a bridge to a magical reality.

The Essence
The essence of this project lies in the idea that proverbs offer universal lessons and insights, wrapped in the art of words. By using visual media such as illustrations, miniatures, and film, these proverbs are translated into the realm of today’s youth. Interaction with these media via online platforms, allows me to connect the old with the new.

Educational Experts
My research included conversations with various educational experts, such as a Dutch teacher for expats, a high school teacher, and a primary school teacher active on social media. Their experiences and insights formed the basis on which I have developed my strategies to make these proverbs accessible and appealing. Through the combination of illustration, miniature, poetry, and film, I aim to breathe new life into lesser known proverbs in a creative and engaging way.

A Visual Adventure
I will be reintroducing three specific proverbs: “In het land der geblinddoekten is eenoog koning” (In the land of the blindfolded, the cyclope is king) “Wat baten kaars en bril als uil niet kijken wil?” (What use are candle and glasses if the owl does not want to see?), and “De kikkers in de kruiwagen houden” (Keeping the frogs in the wheelbarrow). It is an invitation to explore the richness of the dutch language and embrace the wisdom of the past in the form of a visual adventure.