Ed van der Elsken - Art and Artists

To mark the tribute to photographer and filmmaker Ed van der Elsken in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, EYE on Art focuses on the art of the exhibition documentary and the artists” portrait. Van der Elsken recorded the reactions of visitors to two now iconic exhibitions of the early sixties. He also filmed some of the participating artists (including Jean Tinguely) and Stedelijk Museum director Willem Sandberg.

Van der Elsken”s uncomplicated approach in expressive black-and-white vividly captures the artworks, the artists and the public and is still regarded as a model for documentary makers wanting to avoid a conservative and formal approach.

This edition of Eye on Art reflects on the backgrounds of the artists” documentary, using van der Elsken”s portraits (and those by Karel Appel and Vali Meyers) and conversations. With introductions by Margriet Schavemaker (Manager Education, Interpretation and Publications, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam) and Rommy Albers, senior curator Dutch film at EYE Filmmuseum.

Programme: