Erwin Olaf

Erwin Olaf is a Dutch photographer and filmmaker known for his highly stylized, often provocative images. Born in 1959 in Hilversum, Netherlands, Olaf studied at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and began his career as a commercial photographer. His work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.

Olaf's photography is characterized by its surrealistic elements, often featuring darkly humorous or unsettling scenes. He has explored themes such as gender roles, sexuality, and identity through his work. His series "Rain" (2006) was particularly acclaimed for its exploration of loneliness and alienation. In addition to his photography, Olaf has directed several short films and music videos.

In recent years, Olaf has become increasingly involved with social issues such as poverty and homelessness. He has collaborated with organizations such as UNICEF to create awareness campaigns about these issues. In 2017 he was awarded the prestigious Dr A.H Heineken Prize for Art for his contributions to photography and film.

Olaf continues to live and work in Amsterdam where he is currently working on a new series of photographs exploring themes of love and loss.