Erwin Olaf – Freedom

A journey through his career

It begins with his black-and-white photos from the early 1980s. He took these photos spontaneously on the streets, such as at gay rights demonstrations. They already reveal his commitment to society.

Erwin Olaf loved light and beautiful composition. He wanted more control over his photographs and therefore began working in the studio. The exhibition features many of these studio photographs, both well-known and lesser-known. They come from series such as Ladies Hats (1985-2022), Chessmen (1987-88), Royal Blood (2000), Grief (2007), Fashion Victims (2000), Berlin (2012), and Skin Deep (2015).

His commissions are also on display, such as SM in Holland (1989) and photographs he made for the Netherlands Dance Theatre and the National Ballet.

Freethinker

Erwin Olaf Springveld (1959–2023) was a renowned Dutch photographer and artist. He was internationally acclaimed for his unique working method: his photographs were carefully composed, with striking lighting and a keen eye for detail.

Olaf was a freethinker. Personal freedom was always central to him. In his work, he demonstrated the importance of being yourself. He created art that explored topics such as identity, sexuality, gender, the human body, nightlife, and equal rights for everyone.

His critical and proactive attitude toward society is a key theme in his work. This is clearly reflected in the exhibition about his life and art. It is structured around various themes, but also shows how his work has evolved over the years.