May 4, 2010
Photo District News announces “the innovators who made the year in photography.” Erwin Olaf and Michael Schnabel were recognized for their advertising work, Stephen Wilkes was honored for three of his editorial pieces, and Stewart Cohen’s and Joel Meyerowitz’s photo books were lauded. Pictured above is Olaf’s “Voltaren” campaign with agency Saatchi & Saatchi. The campaign illustrates that with Voltaren gel, the elderly can become flexible as flexible as a ballerina, dancer, or yoga instructor. Creative Director: Magnus Olsson. Art Directors: Alexander Lagoet, Rick Coolegem.
View more of the work that is in the PDN Photo Annual
February 1, 2010
Erwin Olaf’s “Hotel, Dawn & Dusk” opened last Thursday night at Hasted Hunt Kraeutler in New York to an energetic reception. Patrons eagerly filled the expansive gallery space to view new photographs and videos by the Dutch artist. Olaf’s solo show debut in New York was “Rain and Hope,” followed by a succesful sophomore show “Grief.” “Dawn & Dusk” marks the mature succession of Olaf’s vision.
Olaf describes “Dusk” as “a dark comic strip.” In response to Dusk, Olaf shot “Dawn,” images inspired by by an encounter in Russia with pale-skinned people in characterless rooms. Dawn and Dusk are inverted mirrors of each other, one dark and one light, both enigmatic in their own right.
Also on view is “Hotel,” a body of work dealing with Olaf’s travels and the accompanying feelings of transience and anomie, the unsettled sense of passing through, and the boredom of being on one’s own.
View photos from the show and learn more about Erwin Olaf’s work
September 17, 2009
Fashion impresario Diane Pernet presents the second annual ASVFF 2009, A Shaded View on Fashion Film. The festival features work by Erwin Olaf, Steven Klein, Chris Cunningham, and more. Making its debut at the festival, Olaf’s film Dusk shows a tableaux vivant of an African American Family set within the background of the city of New York. Originally pursuing a career in journalism, Olaf has always been interested in exploring issues of gender, sensuality, humour, despair and grace.
Screenings will run at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris on September 25, 26, and 27, 2009. The final awards ceremony will be held at the Centre Pompidou on October 8, 2009 with special guest fashion designer Rick Owens.
