Erwin Olaf: The Biography

Erwin Olaf: The Biography, authored by Mischa Cohen, delves into the life of Erwin Olaf, a daring and renowned photographer who transformed from an avant-gardist into a celebrated artist. This biography, sourced from his archives, pays tribute to his legacy and his advocacy for queer rights.

The unexpected passing of Erwin Olaf last year, amidst his recovery from a lung transplant, was a shock to many. During the 1980s and 1990s, he became famous for his extravagant and sometimes sexually explicit photography. Inspired by figures like Robert Mapplethorpe, Hans van Manen, and Paul Blanca, Olaf found his muses in the vibrant Club RoXY in Amsterdam. His journey saw him evolve from a rebellious avant-gardist to a globally celebrated artist, attracting throngs of visitors to exhibitions spanning from The Hague to Shanghai. Always true to his essence, Olaf created his own universe while passionately advocating for the rights of the queer community.

Faced with progressive lung disease, Erwin Olaf took steps to secure his legacy and contributed to this detailed account of his life and work. He stated, "I don't need to come out looking great. But I do want it to be accurate." With unparalleled access to Olaf's archives and personal life, Mischa Cohen spent years documenting his journey. Cohen connected with Olaf’s lovers, friends, colleagues, gallerists, curators, muses, and family, always present at key moments such as photoshoots. Together, they meticulously selected images representative of Olaf's artistic achievements and personal narrative.