The Foundation aims to perpetuate Erwin’s activism.
Erwin was someone who didn't hold back in the public debate and fought for equality, freedom of speech, and diversity.
He was not only deeply involved in the queer community but advocated for many marginalized individuals and minorities.
In addition to supporting and funding projects that contribute to an emancipated and free society, the Foundation will form an educational pillar to support young creative students through grants, advice, and educational modules.
During his career Erwin collaborated extensively with students with a secondary vocational education (MBO) and recognized the craftsmanship and need for MBO graduates for Dutch society.
www.foundationerwinolaf.com
The Foundation Erwin Olaf will be officially launched in September 2024.
For questions or extra information, email Petra@erwinolaf.com
The Stedelijk is organising an exhibition of the work of Erwin Olaf, which opens in autumn 2025. Organised in collaboration with Studio Erwin Olaf, it will be the first exhibition in the Netherlands of Erwin Olaf’s work since his sudden death last year.
A Suspended Tomorrow transforms the theatrical essence of Erwin Olaf’s photographs into a physical experience, staging a choreography of silence and anticipation. Moving through works from series such as April Fool, Ladies Hats, Dance in Close-Up, Still Lifes, Hope, Life – For Mom, Im Wald and Waiting, visitors become active witnesses rather than passive observers. Each scene shifts in light, tempo and mood, leaving behind a distinct emotional trace and unfolding a narrative that hovers between beginning and end.
The walls of Paci contemporary will narrate a journey through the artist’s entire production starting with “Chessmen,” the series that made him internationally famous by allowing him to win the Young European Photographer in 1988, up to the latest projects “April Fool” and “Im Wald” (2020), through the iconic, “Paradise” (2001), “Rain” (2004), “Hope” (2005), “Grief” (2007), “Fall” (2008), “Keyhole” (2011-2013) and the trilogy “Berlin-Shanghai-Palm Springs” (2012-2018).
In addition to all-time favourites like van Rysselberghe’s Portrait de Laure Flé (1898), Picasso’s Paysage de Cannes au crepuscule (1960) and de Chirico’s Piazza d’Italia (1970), the presentation will also feature a wealth of new acquisitions from the past four years, on show for the very first time at the museum. An exciting programme of events and activities also accompanies the exhibition.
De Nieuwe Kerk concludes Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary year with Mokum – The biography of Jewish Amsterdam. This exhibition, made in collaboration with Jewish Cultural Quarter, highlights the multifaceted and turbulent history of Jewish life in the city. From the first Jewish refugees in the 16th century to today’s diverse community, and the icons that enriched Amsterdam in the meantime.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the biography of Erwin’s biography on 21st of October 2024.
Authored by Mischa Cohen, this comprehensive work is the culmination of several years of meticulous research. Mischa closely followed Erwin's journey, visiting museums, archives, photoshoots, and spending time with his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones to gather a wealth of engaging stories.
True to Erwin's wishes, this biography aims to present an accurate and unembellished portrait of his life and work.
The biography is scheduled to be released in additional languages in 2025.
Hamiltons is pleased to present Erwin Olaf: Bigger Than Life, a celebration of Olaf’s life and photographic oeuvre. The exhibition presents important works from across the artist’s four-decade career, including works from series such as Chessmen, Im Wald, Palm Springs, Paradise and Grief, alongside a selection of self-portraits. It is a monumental celebration of the artist’s contribution to the visual arts, and of his long-term close friendship with Hamiltons Gallery.
The first posthumous exhibition dedicated to Erwin Olaf (Hilversum, 1959 – Amsterdam, 2023) at Baró Galeria pays tribute to an artist whose work redefined the way we perceive the body and its relationship with cultural and social codes.
Edwynn Houk Gallery presents Erwin Olaf: Stages, an exhibition of key series centered on the concept of performance, a recurring theme in the artists four-decade career.
The exhibition Erwin Olaf: Narratives of Emancipation, Desire and Intimacy: will present in Madrid a large overview exhibition of photos, videos and video-installations of Erwin Olaf’s work from the ‘80s to the 2020s. Instead of a chronological exhibition, the exhibition will be articulated around three key topics of Erwin Olaf’s artistic practice: Emancipation (political body), desire (sensual body) and intimacy (affective body).
This exhibition at Centro Niemeyer, Aviles deals with the disorientation of the contemporary subject in a changing world.
His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Máxima welcomed Erwin Olaf at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague. His Majesty the King then presented the Medal of Honor for Art and Science of the House Order of Orange to Erwin Olaf.
The award is presented to persons with exceptional merits in the fields of art and science. The Medal of Honor for Art and Science is also based on a special relationship with the Royal House.
The exhibition Erwin Olaf: Perfect Moment – Incomplete World, as seen in Korea, will travel onwards to Taiwan!
14 December 2021 - 20 March 2022
The magnificent Suwon iPark Museum of Art in South Korea will host a solo show, with a beautiful selection of Erwin Olaf's entire oeuvre.
