As a Maastrichtian, vastelaovend in Mestreech has always fascinated me. At first because it's just fun, but later because carnival in Maastricht always provides the shiniest scenes. Beautifully dressed up people, wonderful colors... imaginative and above all: 'chic'.
The flamboyant style is unbelievably photogenic and I love to capture that in both report and drawing.
Het Mooswief is also known as the "Patroness of Mestreechter Vastelaovend", and is hoisted up on the Vrijthof in Maastricht on Sunday morning -first day of Carnival*.
The Mooswief (the doll in the background), with her basket full of poor and kuul, is a distant relative of the earlier spring goddess.
Karen Nijst has lived in and near her beloved hometown of Maastricht for many years. She currently works as a web developer (Kahlo Websites in Hapert, Brabant) and is responsible for both programming and graphic design . The latter has undoubtedly influenced some of the drawings you can see.. Read more…