Aids Campaign. Kan ik jou verleiden, Martin Schenk, 1995. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
Erwin Olaf always saw the beauty in people. Whether it was documenting ’80s Amsterdam nightlife or squatter riots, the Dutch photographer’s interest in those around him remained at the core of his work throughout his life. He captured shots of the riotous gay liberation scene, as well as staged images of punks, queer people, his friends, and himself. He used his art to spread love and acceptance of different races, women, and the queer community, featuring real people from all walks of life. Which also explains why his art is still so resonant with so many of us, and why he is still being celebrating three years after his sudden passing.
Last year, the photographer’s first major biography, Erwin Olaf: The Biography was released by journalist Mischa Cohen. For years, Cohen and Olaf worked alongside each other on this project, going through his personal diaries and spending time together in his studio. The resulting 392-page book features archival materials, as well as interviews with family, lovers, colleagues, gallerists, curators, and friends. Below is a selection of images from the latest biography to transport you into the photographer’s mind.
———
Blacks, Desirée, 1990. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
Erwin Olaf, Self-Portrait with his Muses, 1987. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
First Aids Benefit Club Flora Palace Amsterdam, I, 1983. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
Marte Röling, Portrait 01, 1981. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
Mature, Cindy C., 78, 1999. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
New York Times Magazine. Gay Couples, Livingroom, 2008. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
Paul Blanca & Koos Dalstra, 1986. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
Self-Portrait, Triptych – I Wish, I Am, I Will Be, 2009. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
Squares, Joy, 1985. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
Squares, Marlin I, 1986. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
Squares, Pearls, 1986. Courtesy: Edwynn Houk Gallery – New York, USA. All credits to Erwin Olaf.
The post Enter the Queer, Liberated World of Erwin Olaf appeared first on Interview Magazine.