Erwin Olaf (1959) - Own XXL - 2011






Has over ten years of experience in art, specialising in post-war photography and contemporary art.
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Erwin Olaf, OWN, 2011 — SUMO edition, hand-signed and dated 2011, numbered 97/300, monumental bound artist’s monograph measuring 70 × 50 cm and weighing about 20 kg.
Description from the seller
Erwin Olaf (1959–2023) – OWN, 2011 – Signed and numbered SUMO edition, 97/300
Monumental artist monograph of the Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf, published in 2011 by Lido. This exclusive SUMO edition appeared in a limited run of only 300 copies and is distinguished by its impressive format of 70 × 50 cm and a weight of approximately 20 kilograms.
The offered copy is hand-signed and dated 2011 by Erwin Olaf and numbered 97/300 on the title page.
The white cover presents an arresting photographic portrait, built around a frontal close-up of a face with blue-gray eyes, strongly arched eyebrows, red lips, and a striking red clown nose. Black, running makeup and pink skin tones intensify the theatrical character. At the bottom, the title OWN is laid out in large, refined line letters.
The substantial publication provides an overview of Olaf’s photographic oeuvre, in which staged portraits, carefully constructed visual worlds, and cinematic compositions are central. The book also contains a personal text by the photographer, in which he reflects on his artistic practice and the collaboration with the people who made his photographic productions possible.
In addition to this monumental edition, a smaller, standard edition was released. The SUMO version is distinguished by its exceptional physical presentation, limited edition, and the artist’s personal signature.
Specifications:
Title: OWN
Artist: Erwin Olaf (1959–2023)
Publisher: Lido
Year: 2011
Edition: Monumental bound artist monograph (SUMO edition)
Dimensions: 70 × 50 cm
Weight: approximately 20 kg
Edition: 300 copies
Numbering: 97/300
Signature: Hand-signed and dated 2011
Artist biography
Erwin Olaf (1959–2023) belongs to the group of Dutch photographers who also achieved international institutional recognition. His work is included in the collections of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Groninger Museum. In 2019, the Municipal Museum Den Haag and the Fotomuseum Den Haag presented extensive exhibitions of his oeuvre.
Olaf developed a recognizable photographic visual language in which meticulously staged compositions, refined lighting, and a cinematic atmosphere come together. His portraits and photographic series explore, among other things, identity, beauty, vulnerability, and societal conventions. In addition to his autonomous work, he undertook assignments for international fashion houses, magazines, and the Dutch royal family.
In 2011 he received the Johannes Vermeer Prize, the Dutch state prize for the arts. His photographic oeuvre spans early black-and-white series as well as later carefully staged color photography, securing him a prominent position within contemporary Dutch photography.
Seller's Story
Erwin Olaf (1959–2023) – OWN, 2011 – Signed and numbered SUMO edition, 97/300
Monumental artist monograph of the Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf, published in 2011 by Lido. This exclusive SUMO edition appeared in a limited run of only 300 copies and is distinguished by its impressive format of 70 × 50 cm and a weight of approximately 20 kilograms.
The offered copy is hand-signed and dated 2011 by Erwin Olaf and numbered 97/300 on the title page.
The white cover presents an arresting photographic portrait, built around a frontal close-up of a face with blue-gray eyes, strongly arched eyebrows, red lips, and a striking red clown nose. Black, running makeup and pink skin tones intensify the theatrical character. At the bottom, the title OWN is laid out in large, refined line letters.
The substantial publication provides an overview of Olaf’s photographic oeuvre, in which staged portraits, carefully constructed visual worlds, and cinematic compositions are central. The book also contains a personal text by the photographer, in which he reflects on his artistic practice and the collaboration with the people who made his photographic productions possible.
In addition to this monumental edition, a smaller, standard edition was released. The SUMO version is distinguished by its exceptional physical presentation, limited edition, and the artist’s personal signature.
Specifications:
Title: OWN
Artist: Erwin Olaf (1959–2023)
Publisher: Lido
Year: 2011
Edition: Monumental bound artist monograph (SUMO edition)
Dimensions: 70 × 50 cm
Weight: approximately 20 kg
Edition: 300 copies
Numbering: 97/300
Signature: Hand-signed and dated 2011
Artist biography
Erwin Olaf (1959–2023) belongs to the group of Dutch photographers who also achieved international institutional recognition. His work is included in the collections of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Groninger Museum. In 2019, the Municipal Museum Den Haag and the Fotomuseum Den Haag presented extensive exhibitions of his oeuvre.
Olaf developed a recognizable photographic visual language in which meticulously staged compositions, refined lighting, and a cinematic atmosphere come together. His portraits and photographic series explore, among other things, identity, beauty, vulnerability, and societal conventions. In addition to his autonomous work, he undertook assignments for international fashion houses, magazines, and the Dutch royal family.
In 2011 he received the Johannes Vermeer Prize, the Dutch state prize for the arts. His photographic oeuvre spans early black-and-white series as well as later carefully staged color photography, securing him a prominent position within contemporary Dutch photography.
