Ijzertoren (Yser Tower) is part of the Heimat-series from 1995, which also includes Tuymans' depiction of a Flemish Village — both quintessential symbols of Flemish nationalism, which at one time had been an idealistic endeavour. However, the pale colour palette and the threat that exudes from the scene instead of tranquillity reflect the transformation of nationalist symbols into extreme-rightist ideology. For Tuymans, these symbols are hollow and empty.