Cedric Van Mol – The Man Behind the Lens and Olga Kurylenko’s Past

Cedric Van Mol is not a name you often hear in the tabloids, yet his influence quietly resonates in the worlds of fashion, photography, and cinema through his creative eye—and his past relationship with internationally renowned actress Olga Kurylenko. This article dives into the life and career of Cedric Van Mol, his artistic legacy, and how his story intersects with the public journey of Olga Kurylenko. Beyond the headlines, there’s an entire narrative waiting to be explored.

Quick Bio: Cedric Van Mol

The Early Life of Cedric Van Mol

Cedric Van Mol was born on July 28, 1974, in France. Though not much is widely available about his early childhood, sources close to the art community note that he showed an early interest in visual storytelling. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, he was surrounded by a mix of French cinema, street art, and early photography, which later inspired his minimalist yet emotionally charged style.

Stepping into Photography

By his early twenties, Cedric had already begun building a portfolio of black-and-white portraits, capturing human expressions in a raw, unfiltered way. Unlike many commercial photographers, Cedric avoided over-editing. His style was described by critics as “emotionally intelligent” and “visually poetic.” His subjects ranged from anonymous street figures to well-known models and actors.

Artistic Approach: The Human Condition Through a Lens

Van Mol’s photography isn’t about glamour—it’s about vulnerability. His photographs often highlight emotion, contradiction, and nuance. Whether it’s a wrinkle, a tear, or a smile, Cedric’s lens captures something deeper than appearances. He frequently uses natural light, minimal makeup, and off-the-cuff poses to elicit honesty from his subjects.

His visual language is minimal yet expressive, and this artistic approach set him apart in the highly competitive fashion and editorial photography world.

Enter Olga Kurylenko: A New Chapter

In the early 2000s, Cedric Van Mol met Olga Kurylenko, a Ukrainian-born French actress and model known for her work in films like Quantum of Solace and Oblivion. Their connection began in the world of art and fashion, where Van Mol frequently worked as a photographer, and Kurylenko was quickly becoming a rising star in modeling and cinema.

Their relationship blossomed over mutual respect for art, film, and quiet privacy—something both of them valued deeply.

Love, Art, and a Shared Journey

While the pair kept their relationship away from the spotlight, it is known that Cedric and Olga shared a deep bond rooted in creativity and mutual understanding. Van Mol photographed Kurylenko on several occasions, producing some of the most intimate portraits of her ever released. Unlike typical celebrity shoots, these sessions focused more on emotion than allure.

They eventually had a son together, adding a new layer to their partnership and bringing a shared sense of responsibility.

Life After Separation

Though Cedric and Olga eventually parted ways, they have remained respectful co-parents. Their split was handled with grace and without public scandal—true to their personalities. Cedric Van Mol continues to lead a quiet, artistic life, while Olga’s career has taken her across the globe as an actress and humanitarian.

Despite their breakup, Van Mol’s influence on Kurylenko’s personal and creative life is quietly acknowledged through their shared child and lasting respect.

The Private Artist in a Public World

Unlike many artists connected to celebrities, Cedric Van Mol has deliberately stayed away from the limelight. His social media presence is minimal, and he rarely grants interviews. This has added to his mystique but also speaks volumes about his dedication to his art rather than fame.

Van Mol prefers the walls of galleries and private collections over red carpets. He believes art should speak for itself—and in his case, it truly does.

Recent Projects and Exhibitions

In recent years, Cedric has shifted his focus to more abstract visual art projects. In 2022 and 2023, he exhibited a collection called Silhouettes of Silence, which explored post-pandemic human emotion through monochrome photography. The collection was well received in Paris and Berlin.

He is also rumored to be working on a photo-book collaboration with other European photographers focusing on fatherhood and masculinity—an issue close to his heart.

Cedric Van Mol’s Legacy in Photography

Though not a household name, Cedric Van Mol has made a meaningful impact in his field. His works are included in private collections, photography books, and select exhibitions across Europe. He has mentored younger photographers and even worked with nonprofit art institutions supporting youth education through photography.

His legacy is one of honesty, visual poetry, and quiet mastery.

Olga Kurylenko’s Reflection on Cedric

While Olga Kurylenko rarely speaks about her personal life, in a 2018 French interview she referred to Cedric Van Mol as a “gentle soul” and “an artist who sees what others miss.” She credited him for teaching her the importance of stillness and introspection—two qualities that deeply inform her acting today.

Though they have moved on in their personal lives, their mutual admiration remains evident.

Raising a Son in the Spotlight’s Shadow

The couple’s son, born in 2015, is being raised in France. Both Cedric and Olga have taken steps to shield him from public attention. According to close friends, Cedric is a hands-on father, often seen spending time in parks and cultural venues with his son. He reportedly avoids digital distractions and prefers a natural, tactile parenting style—something he attributes to his artistic training.

What’s Next for Cedric Van Mol?

While Van Mol keeps future projects under wraps, insiders in the art world believe he’s working on a retrospective collection spanning his 30-year career. Additionally, there are talks of a documentary being developed about lesser-known European photographers, with Cedric slated as one of the featured artists.

There’s even speculation of him returning to teach at an art institute in Lyon or Paris.

Conclusion

Cedric Van Mol represents the archetype of a true artist: humble, focused, and deeply human. Though his name became more familiar due to his connection with Olga Kurylenko, his own work stands tall in the world of fine art and photography. For those who appreciate the unseen layers of a photograph, the emotional charge of a quiet portrait, or the intimacy of honest expression, Cedric Van Mol remains a figure worth knowing—and following.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Cedric Van Mol?

Cedric Van Mol is a French photographer and visual artist known for his emotionally rich black-and-white portraiture. He gained public attention due to his past relationship with actress Olga Kurylenko, with whom he shares a son. Beyond the headlines, Van Mol has built a long-standing career in photography, capturing the human condition through a minimalist, heartfelt lens.

What is Cedric Van Mol known for in the photography world?

Van Mol is best known for his naturalistic and intimate style of photography. Unlike commercial fashion photographers, his work leans toward expressive portraiture and visual storytelling. He avoids digital enhancement and often uses available light to capture authenticity. His work has appeared in art galleries and private collections across Europe and is praised for its emotional depth.

What is the relationship between Cedric Van Mol and Olga Kurylenko?

Cedric and Olga were in a long-term relationship in the early 2000s and share a son together. Although they are no longer together romantically, they continue to co-parent amicably. Their relationship was built on a shared appreciation for art, and Cedric has photographed Olga in some of her most intimate and honest portraits.

Is Cedric Van Mol active on social media or in public?

Not really. Cedric Van Mol keeps a very low public profile. He does not have a verified presence on Instagram or Twitter, and he rarely gives interviews. His focus remains on his art and his family, and he prefers to let his work speak for itself rather than engage in public promotion or celebrity culture.

What are Cedric Van Mol’s latest projects or exhibitions?

As of 2024–2025, Cedric Van Mol has been involved in a few small-scale but impactful exhibitions, including Silhouettes of Silence, which explores human emotion post-COVID. He is also said to be working on a photo-book collaboration on fatherhood and masculinity. While not widely publicized, his work continues to influence new generations of photographers and visual artists.