Tribute to Dalí's iconic moustache

Figueres (CNA).- Centering on the artist’s iconic image, the Dalí Theatre-Museum hosts a temporary exhibition of 23 portraits of Salvador Dalí by photographer Philippe Halsman. Showing a less known selection of Dalí’s moustache editorial project, Halsman’s photography can be seen from April 18^th to December 31^st in the Loggias Room of the museum. The exhibition titled Variants from Dalí’s moustache shows how the artist´s moustache is a key part of the unmistakable image of the genius of surrealism. Presented by Monste Aguer, the Museum’s director, it is the first time that Dalí becomes part of the museum through its own portrait. Now the Dalí Theatre-Museum's collection allows the visitors to capture the artistic journey of Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) through a spectrum of works and at the end of the tour see Dalí himself with different pictures. Latvian photographer Philippe Halsman, did not hesitate to immortalize Dali’s presence in the cultural center by this selection of 23 photographs, included in the book ‘Dalí´s Moustache’ released in 1954 with the help of New York publisher Simon and Shuster. 

Salvador Dalí and Philippe Halsman, one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century, had a solid relationship which lasted for 37 years starting in 1941 when both agreed to take part in 'Labyrinth', a project performed by the Russian Ballet at the Metropolitan Opera House in which the photographer portrayed clothes designed by the artist. From that moment on, these collaborations between them became more frequent and they even embarked on several initiatives such as Dalí's Midsummer Night's Mother ',' Atomicus Dali ',' Light Sculpture and Voluptate Mors'. In addition, Halsman also documented the recording of Dalí´s film "Chaos and Creation ' in 1960. "They shared irony, humor, intelligence ... Dalí admired Halsman's work,  especially the surreal aspect. Their collaboration was long, fruitful and had amazing results," says Aguer, which ensures that the painter was fully involved in the project of 'Dalí's Moustache', attracted by the photographic and editorial side.

The photographer himself explains the concept of the book Dali's Moustache as follows: "In 1954, the growth of Dali's moustache miraculously increased. When the painter returned to New York I was amazed: the points of his moustache were higher than his eyebrows. I saw my duty and started to photograph the play and interplay of his moustache. I needed Dalí's consent and I approached the great surrealist cautiously: 'Books have been written about you and about other painters. But there is no book about a part of their personality, as, for instance, Rembrandt's nose or Picasso's foot. What a tribute to your genius, Dalí! A book to appear - dedicated not to the whole but only to a small part of you!”