In the new project ‘De Vendeldrager’ (The Flag Bearer), Pauline Nijenhuis wants to investigate what remains in a society that is increasingly dependent on automation and robotization. In her research into this tradition, Pauline also wants to learn to wave a flag herself.

She wants to show that the human body has an irreplaceable function. To do this, we go back to how people have conveyed a message to large groups for centuries. The flag bearer can convey his message without the intervention of a machine.

In the black and white film ‘De Vendeliers’ (24 minutes only to be seen during exhibitions), you see how the body of the flag bearer literally takes center stage. The strength, motor skills and flexibility determine the quality of the flag waving and the transmission of the message. The delay in the image provides even more insight into the interplay between both hands, arms and torso.

In the past, up until the Middle Ages, flag bearers accompanied the armies to impress the enemy together with the drummers and to whip up their own troops. In this way, every movement with the flag has a meaning. Waving above the head means; tough flag bearer, keep yourself brave and strong in the battle that is to come. Throwing the flag around in the neck means; be formidable, even if this will cost you your head.

Pauline wants to achieve that people become more aware of the wealth and value of traditions and (analog) communities, such as guilds and associations. Due to globalization and the fact that our lives are increasingly played out online, how do old traditions continue to have a right to exist?

Summary video: 60 seconds
Ivonne Zijp – camera
Koen Staz – editing
Vincent van der Heiden – audio