Ed van der Elsken: Camera in Love is the definitive monograph on the most important Dutch photographer of the 20th century. Published to accompany a major retrospective at the Stedelijk Museum, the book examines Van der Elsken’s unique role as a “playful art director” who staged gritty, cinematic scenes of street life. Spanning four decades, it showcases his iconic black-and-white portraits of post-war Paris bohemians alongside his vibrant color work from Tokyo and Amsterdam. Essays by David Campany and Hripsimé Visser analyze how his work paved the way for contemporary masters like Nan Goldin and Larry Clark. The volume includes rare sketches, book dummies, and film stills, revealing the process behind his pioneering “cinematic” photo-books.
