In Memory of the Controversial Dutch Photographer Paul Blanca
17 oktober 2021 
9 min. read

In Memory of the Controversial Dutch Photographer Paul Blanca

Art photographer Paul Blanca died this weekend at the age of 62 in his home in Amsterdam. That writes fellow artist Peter Klashorst on his Facebook page. Blanca (born Paul Vlaswinkel) was a self-taught photographer who led a rough life full of alcohol and drugs. “His body was finished,” an insider confirms to ANP news agency.

paul blanca self-portrait

Fig.1. ‘Self-portrait‘ (1988)

Mickey Mouse

The photographer became known in the 1980s with his provocative photos and self-portraits. A photo became known for which a crying Mickey Mouse with a raised thumb had been carved bloody in his back (Fig.2). The image became iconic within Dutch portrait photography.

paul blanca

Fig.2. Self-portrait ‘Mickey Mouse‘ (1985) by Paul Blanca

Photographer of Emotion

For his self-portraits, Blanca molested himself with objects such as razors, iron wire and nails. So he sewed his lips shut and pierced an arrow through his cheek. Fellow photographer Erwin Olaf described Blanca as a photographer of emotion.

Selfportrait mother and son Paul Blanca

Fig.3. Self-portrait ‘Mother and Son‘ (2014)

Mother

Also known is a portrait that Blanca shot in 1985 of himself and his mother (Fig.3 and 4). Both hold each other naked. Nearly thirty years later, he took the photo again, carrying his mother in his arms—the way he put her to bed when she couldn’t walk.

mother and son paul blancaFig.4. 'Mother and Son' (1983)

Amsterdam Bombing

In the 1990s, Blanca was accused by fellow artist Rob Scholte of the Amsterdam bombing, in which Scholte lost his legs. The allegations were never proven, but galleries dropped Blanca.

Paul Blanca Deformation

Fig.5. ‘No.11‘ from the series ‘Deformation‘ (2006)

paul blanca photograph lost loveFig.6. Self-portrait 'Lost Love' (1985)

go fuck yourself Paul Blanca

Fig.7. Self-portrait  ‘Go Fuck Yourself‘ (1996)

Paul Blanca Bull

Fig.8. Self-portrait ‘Bull‘ (1984) (Source: RobScholteMuseum.nl)

Paul Blanca Selfportrait with model, 1984,

Fig.9. ‘Self-portrait with Model‘ (1984)

Paul Blanca Portrait of a ladyFig.10.  'Portrait of a lady' (1985)

portrait of a nude lady Paul BlancaFig.10a Close-up

Willem de Kooning

I’m a big fan of Blanca’s work since the 1990s and obtained a lot of his photographs over the years. Earlier I wrote an article on a unique photo Blanca shot of the famous painter Willem de Kooning and the amusing story behind it (also includes other striking work!) that you can check out HERE….!!

In 2010, I wrote an article on Blanca that was among others used by Wikipedia and the artist himself.

Later this year we’ll pay attention to the artist more extensively!

About the author
Marijn is the founder of shungagallery.com. With more than 20 years of experience within the sensual and erotic art of shunga he is an authority in the genre. During this time he served many customers with complementing their art collection.
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