Ervin Olaf

Erwin Olaf (Erwin Olaf Springveld) is most famous photographer for his commercial and personal work. He has been commissioned to photograph advertising campaigns for large international companies such as Levi’s, Microsoft and Nokia. Some of his most famous photographic series include “Grief”, “Rain”, and “Royal Blood”. Never one to shy away from controversy, Olaf’s work is often daring and provocative. Humorously however, one of his early photographs was once expelled from a show on the basis of NOT containing nudity. His work has received many awards and he has held exhibitions around the world.

Born in Hilversum in the Netherlands in 1959, Erwin Olaf lives and workes in Amsterdam since the early 80’s. His current studio is situated in a former church hall.

Mixing photo-journalism with studio photography, Olaf emerged in the international art scene in 1988 when his series “Chessmen” was awarded the first prize in the young european photographer competition. This award was followed by an exhibition at the ludwig museum in Cologne, Germany. Since then Olaf has continued to explore issues of gender, sensuality, humor, despair and grace in each successive series.

Over the years many of Olaf’s works – from his unabashed nude portraiture and intense symbolism to the unflinching gaze in his blood-drenched images of staged violence – have provoked controversy. Not surprisingly, this ability to attract attention has seen his work embraced by the advertising world, resulting in commercials for Lavazza, BMW, Microsoft and Nintendo among many others. Lately Erwin is frequently shooting in commission for magazines such as the New York Times magazine, the Sunday Times magazine, Elle and Citizen K.

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Official site: www.erwinolaf.com