Bonhams 1793 : Erwin Olaf (Dutch, born 1959) Paradise Portraits, 2001 The prints each approx. 30.5 x 23.5cm (12 x 9 1/4in), presentation box 46 x 39cm (18 1/8 x 15 3/8in).

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17 Nov 2011 14:00 GMT London, New Bond Street
Photographs
Back to auction 18988

Erwin Olaf (Dutch, born 1959)

Paradise Portraits, 2001
Portfolio of nine Lambda prints, each housed in a window mount. Each mount signed and numbered '7/15' in pencil. All but one print signed and numbered '7/15' in ink on the reverse. Silver hardcover presentation box, the cover impressed with portfolio title and photographer's credit and with reproduction of one of the images in the set pasted to it. This portfolio is number 7 from the edition of 15.
The prints each approx. 30.5 x 23.5cm (12 x 9 1/4in), presentation box 46 x 39cm (18 1/8 x 15 3/8in).

Estimate:

£6,000 - 8,000
US$ 9,000 - 12,000
€7,000 - 9,400

Footnotes

Provenance:
Private collection, Europe

Literature:
Olaf, E., Silver (Groningen: Groninger Museum, 2003), pp.262-263

"To me clowns represent anonyminity and anger. Although they are meant to entertain children, they are frightening." (Erwin Olaf)

'The faces of the women function as a kind of counterpoint to the series. Without exception they are completely unblemished and intact, and they gaze at the viewer penetratingly with a neutral expression. The men are made up as clowns and look threatening, horny, angry, or insane. The smudged makeup reinforces that they have flopped in their roles: nothing remains of the understanding that clowns are full of fun and perhaps just a little sad or melancholy behind that smile.'
Silver, p.262

Category: Fine Art / Photographs

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