Hollyhocks Arch Over Sidewalks, But No One Is Around to Tie Them Up

Photographers commissioned by NRC were tasked with capturing the essence of summer in their immediate surroundings, using the familiar as a point of departure. Olivier Middendorp, based in Haarlem, focused his lens on the "languid atmosphere" that envelops his neighborhood during the summer vacation period. His photographs aim to convey a sense of relaxed tranquility and the slow pace of life often associated with this time of year.

The images depict scenes that evoke the quiet beauty of summer, with elements like hollyhocks arching over sidewalks, suggesting a natural abundance and a temporary pause from the usual hustle and bustle. This visual narrative captures the feeling of a community at ease, enjoying the warmth and extended daylight hours.

However, Middendorp's work also hints at the transient nature of this idyllic state. The description notes the approach of the "first ordinary Monday" and the emergence of the "petty thief," suggesting a subtle undercurrent of returning routine and perhaps the less picturesque realities that lie just beneath the surface of summer's charm. The collection serves as a reflection on the familiar, seen through the lens of seasonal change and the inevitable return to everyday life.