As a Maastricht native, "vastelaovend in Mestreech" has always fascinated me. At first because it's just a cosy affair. Later because carnival in Maastricht guarantees the 'sjoenste scenes'. You can enjoy the beautifully dressed people and the most wonderful color combinations. Carnival in Maastricht stands for 'chic'.
The flamboyant style is 'oongeluifelek fotogeniek' and I love to capture that.
This work shows a large crowd enjoying the Maastricht Carnival, with the St. Servaas Church and the Pawnshop in the Grote Staat in the background.
There is no photograph of this scene. It has sprung from my imagination and is completely drawn and digitally colored cq. edited. You can also find the colors of the Maastricht carnival flag: Red, yellow and green.
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…