The Guardian presents a curated selection of photographs by Ed van der Elsken, one of the Netherlands' most influential photographers. His work, spanning the 1950s to the 1980s, is known for its gritty, intimate portrayal of urban life.
Early Work in Amsterdam
Van der Elsken's early photographs document the streets of Amsterdam in the 1950s. He captured the city's post-war atmosphere, focusing on ordinary people, jazz musicians, and the burgeoning youth culture. One notable image shows a group of teenagers loitering near a canal, their expressions a mix of defiance and ennui.
Paris and International Recognition
In 1950, van der Elsken moved to Paris, where he became part of the city's artistic circle. His series "Love on the Left Bank" (1956) is a photobook that follows a young couple through the bohemian quarters of the city. The images are candid, often shot at night, using available light and a handheld camera. According to the Rijksmuseum, which holds a large collection of his work, van der Elsken's style was "unpolished and direct, breaking away from the formal traditions of photography."
Global Travels and Social Commentary
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, van der Elsken traveled extensively, photographing in Japan, Africa, and South America. His images from Tokyo's nightlife and the streets of Amsterdam's red-light district are particularly well-known. He often focused on marginalized communities, including sex workers and the homeless, with a sympathetic yet unflinching eye. One striking photograph from his 1966 series "Sweet Life" shows a couple dancing in a nightclub, their faces blurred by movement, capturing the frenetic energy of the era.
Legacy and Influence
Van der Elsken's work has influenced generations of photographers, including Nan Goldin and Larry Clark. His photobooks, such as "The Eye Above the Well" (1962) and "Amsterdam!" (1978), remain in print. The exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, which ran until September 2025, featured over 200 prints, highlighting his role as a pioneer of street photography. As the museum's curator noted, "Van der Elsken's camera was a tool for connection, not distance. He immersed himself in his subjects' lives."
Technical Innovations
Van der Elsken was an early adopter of 35mm film and available-light photography, which allowed him to shoot unobtrusively in low-light conditions. He often developed his own prints, using high-contrast paper to emphasize shadows and textures. This technique gave his images a raw, almost cinematic quality. In his later years, he experimented with color photography, but his black-and-white work remains his most celebrated.
Conclusion
Ed van der Elsken's photographs offer a visceral record of 20th-century urban life. His ability to find beauty in the mundane and dignity in the marginalised ensures his work remains relevant today. The Guardian's gallery showcases 20 of his most compelling images, from the streets of Amsterdam to the alleyways of Tokyo.
