Erwin Olaf Springveld (2 July 1959 – 20 September 2023), professionally known asErwin Olaf, was a Dutch photographer fromHilversum.[1]Time magazine described his work as straddling "the worlds of commercial, art and fashion photography at once".[2]
Erwin Olaf Springveld was born on 2 July 1959 inHilversum, Netherlands.
Olaf was most famous for his commercial and personal work. He was commissioned to photograph advertising campaigns for large international companies such asLevi's,Microsoft, andNokia.[3] Some of his most famous photographic series include "Grief", "Rain", and "Royal Blood". Never one to shy away from controversy, Olaf's work was often daring and provocative.[4] Humorously however, one of his early photographs was once expelled from a show on the basis ofnot containing nudity.[citation needed]
His work received many awards[5] and has been exhibited around the world.[6]
Olaf studied journalism at the School of Journalism inUtrecht.[3] His work was shown in galleries and museums all internationally, for example at Wagner + Partner, Berlin; Flatland Gallery, Amsterdam; Hamiltons Gallery, London;Galerie Magda Danysz, Paris; Gallery Espacio Minimo, Madrid; and many others.
He was an advocate forgay rights. In 2012 he organized a "kiss in" that had around a hundred participants after a snack bar owner had commented on Olaf kissing his boyfriend.[9]
Olaf died on 20 September 2023, at the age of 64, as a result of long-termemphysema weeks after receiving alung transplant. Olaf was first diagnosed with emphysema in 1996.[10] He had predicted what the illness would do to him in the third panel of his 2009 self-portrait seriesI wish, I am, I will be. TheLongfonds [nl], the Dutch non-profit organisation for lung patients, called it very brave that he had been so open about his illness.[9]
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