Erwin Olaf

I recently came across a photographer that I find especially fascinating and provocative, Erwin Olaf. http://www.erwinolaf.com/#/portfolio/

 His website has an overabundance of work on view, ranging from slightly odd to extremely strange.  His work definitely makes me ask questions, such as why do these naked people have bags on their heads and why are these people holding seemingly random objects. I really wish that his website displayed artist statements to accompany the series so that these mysteries could be solved.  On the other hand, maybe Olaf wants the viewer to create his own narrative.  I believe the viewer could definitely interpret some of these series to be a way to dispel certain stereotypes or myths, such as the series “Mature”.  This series presents the viewer with aged women in pin-up style attire and positions.  This could possibly be a dismissal of the myth that older women cannot be sexual beings any longer. However, other series of work, such as “Borek Sipek” really do need as artist statement. Nevertheless, his images portray striking characters and present interesting tableaux.   Some of his photographs have the quality of being highly manipulated and look more like illustration or painting than photography.  Perhaps some of his work has more to do with formal qualities than it does content.  Or maybe his work is supposed to be received as fashion and is not about anything.