The photo series titled Berlin by Erwin Olaf, a photographer born in Hilversum, the Netherlands, and based in Amsterdam, is flawless. Comprised of dramatic tableaus, the images could easily be mistaken for lifelike oil paintings or stills from a cinematic avant-garde film. Each shot was captured in noted German buildings, hence one of the reasons for its title.
Likened to an opera by Francis Hodgson, photography critic for the Financial Times, there is nevertheless no clear narrative to Berlin by Erwin Olaf despite its stylistic similarities. One theme that is prevalent throughout the photo series is the tension between the young and old. Powerful and rich in layers, this theme is but one addressed in the series.
Cinematic Tableau Photographery
Berlin by Erwin Olaf is a Powerful and Rich Series
Trend Themes
1. Dramatic Tableaus in Photography - Opportunities for photographers to create visually stunning and emotive narratives through the use of dramatic tableaus.
2. Blurring Boundaries Between Photography and Other Art Forms - Innovative ways for artists to push the boundaries of traditional photography by creating images that resemble lifelike paintings or stills from films.
3. Exploring Societal Tensions Through Visual Storytelling - The opportunity to use photography as a medium to explore and highlight social issues and tensions, such as the contrast between the young and old.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Opportunities for photographers to experiment with unconventional techniques and approaches, blurring the lines between photography and other art forms.
2. Fine Art - Innovative approaches in fine art photography that challenge traditional notions of medium and push the boundaries of artistic expression.
3. Editorial and Documentary Photography - Utilizing visual storytelling techniques to address social issues and capture the complexities of human experiences in a thought-provoking manner.