Paul

Colour portrait of cover model for Avenue magazine, Sophie van Kleef, wearing bright pink lipstick and a blue scarf wrapped around her face. © Paul Huf MAI

Huf

(1924-2002)

Paul Huf is an icon in Dutch photography, renowned for his work in advertising and portrait photography. As a self-taught artist, he build his career in commercial and commissioned photography, paving the way for other artists by setting new standards in photography.

Inspired by his father's hobby, Huf began photographing in his teenage years. By experimenting in a self-made darkroom, he mastered the techniques of developing and printing photos. Throughout his career Huf won numerous awards and exhibited his work internationally. He had a special connection with Foam, having played a role in the museum's establishment. In recognition of his contributions, the Foam Paul Huf Award has been presented annually since 2007, supporting and promoting emerging photographers on a global scale.


Paul Huf is known for his commercial work, elevating Dutch (advertising) photography as an art form. Part of his oeuvre are iconic campaings such as 'Vakmanschap is Meesterschap' ('Craftmanship is Mastery') for Grolsch Brewery, fashion shoots for magazines such as Margriet and Avenue, and the famous portrait of Ajax legends Klaas Nuninga, Sjaak Swart, Piet Keizer, and Johan Cruijff. Later in life, Huf dedicated his practice towards film making. His documentary on the famous painter Carel Willink (1975) was awarded with several prizes.

Mode voor Avenue, 1966 © Paul Huf / MAI.
The Supremes, 1965 © Paul Huf / MAI

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Colour portrait of cover model for Avenue magazine, Sophie van Kleef, wearing bright pink lipstick and a blue scarf wrapped around her face. © Paul Huf MAI

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Paul Huf