_A_perture Foundation announces the publication of Erwin Olaf: I Am (essay by Mattie Boom; interview by Laura Stamps), in honor of the photographer’s sixtieth birthday. I Am presents the first-ever comprehensive survey of Olaf’s work, melding his early images in black and white with his now-highly regarded color work, including selections from his most recent and heretofore unpublished series shot in Shanghai.

This chronological presentation traces the evolution of the artist from cheeky provocateur, widely known in fashion photography circles for his commissions in Vogue, Elle, and the New York Times Magazine, to royal portraitist and Dutch sensation, sought after by the Dutch National Ballet – as well as the refinement of his unique vision and stylistic panache over the last four decades. Interspersed among the various series is a wry, incisive commentary by Olaf on the contexts of and inspirations for his work.

I Am will accompany the largest retrospective of Olaf’s work to date – an international, multiple-venue show that will encompass installations at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; Gemeentemuseum Den Haag; and Fotomuseum Den Haag. Launching in February 2019, the show will subsequently travel to other venues in Europe, Shanghai, and the United States, securing Olaf’s title as a major figure in European photography.

The book is now available for pre-order via aperture.org/shop/erwin-olaf-i-am

Events & signings in New York

On Friday, April 5, 3:00 pm, Erwin Olaf will be present for an in-person spotlight on his book at the 2019 PhotoBook Spotlight of the AIPAD Photography show. See the full schedule of spotlights here.

On Wednesday, April 24, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Erwin Olaf will sign copies at Bookmarc, 400 Bleecker St., New York.

Erwin Olaf, I Wish, I Am, I Will Be, 2009; from Erwin Olaf: I Am (Aperture, 2019)

Erwin Olaf, I Wish, I Am, I Will Be, 2009; from Erwin Olaf: I Am (Aperture, 2019)

Erwin Olaf, I Wish, I Am, I Will Be, 2009; from Erwin Olaf: I Am (Aperture, 2019)

Erwin Olaf (born in Hilversum, the Netherlands, 1959) is a Dutch photographer known for his highly stylized, daring, and often provocative work addressing social issues and taboos. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Johannes Vermeer Award (2011), a Lucie Award (2008), and Photographer of the Year in the International Color Awards (2006). Among other accolades, Olaf received the commission to design the new national side of the Dutch Euro, launched in 2013. In 2008 and 2014 Aperture published volumes one and two of Olaf’s self-titled monographs.

Mattie Boom is curator of photography at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Laura Stamps is curator and conservator of modern and contemporary art at Gemeentemuseum Den Haag.

Aperture, a not-for-profit foundation, connects the photo community and its audiences with the most inspiring work, the sharpest ideas, and with each other – in print, in person, and online. Created in 1952 by photographers and writers as “common ground for the advancement of photography,” Aperture today is a multi-platform publisher and center for the photo community. From its base in New York, Aperture Foundation produces, publishes, and presents a program of photography projects and programs – locally, across the United States, and around the world.