With the exhibition ‘Ed van der Elsken. Upclose,’ the Rijksmuseum presents a rich and layered portrait of the photographer who knew how to capture raw, unpolished life like no other. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into his creative process, with, in addition to his well-known photographs, never-before-seen contact sheets, letters, notes, book designs and film fragments. This provides a complete picture of his working methods and his development as an artist.
Van der Elsken is considered a pioneer of street photography. At a time when distance and observation were the norm, he opted instead for proximity. He did not photograph from a distance, but sought direct contact with his subjects. As a result, his work feels intimate, honest and sometimes confrontational. He used his own life as a starting point and recorded the world as he experienced it - spontaneously, intuitively and without embellishment.
“Ed van der Elsken showed that real beauty lies in unpolished life - right where it really happens.”
The exhibition is made possible in part by the acquisition of his entire work archive in 2019 by the Rijksmuseum and the Nederlands Fotomuseum. This collection, spanning four decades, shows all the key moments of his career. From his decision to work as an independent photographer to the penetrating images he made during his final phase of life.
What makes this exhibition special is the balance between the personal and the universal. His photographs show loves, encounters and city life, but at the same time tell a larger story about freedom, identity and zeitgeist. This keeps his work surprisingly current and relevant for a new generation.
Like the stories Amsterdam NOW brings - which center on experience, culture and character - this exhibition is an invitation to look differently. Not just at photography, but at the city and the people around you.