How the surreal 'Dali Atomicus' was captured: The most iconic collaborations between Philippe Halsman and Salvador Dalí
The photograph "Dali Atomicus," captured in 1948, remains one of the most iconic collaborations between visionary photographer Philippe Halsman and surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. This masterpiece embodies a fusion of artistic creativity, scientific inspiration, and technical ingenuity, symbolizing both surrealism and the atomic age.
The Challenges of Capturing the Perfect Frame
The shoot for "Dali Atomicus" was an extraordinary challenge that demanded innovation, teamwork, and patience. The goal was to capture Dalí mid-air, accompanied by flying cats, splashing water, and suspended objects—all in a single frame.
Halsman orchestrated this complex setup in his New York studio. Assistants were assigned to toss water and cats simultaneously while Dalí jumped into the air. The process required 26 takes and spanned five grueling hours. Each attempt involved drying the cats, resetting the studio, and refining the composition.
The persistence paid off, resulting in a surreal masterpiece that encapsulated Dalí’s vision and Halsman’s technical expertise.
0 comments:
Post a Comment