Dali’s Mustache:
A Photographic Interview by Salvador Dali and Philippe Halsman
Curated by Halsman Archive
Philippe Halsman, Salvador Dali, Like two erect sentries, my mustache defends the entrance to my real self, 1953, silver print.
Philippe Halsman, Salvador Dali, My hairspring, of course, 1953, silver print
Philippe Halsman, Salvador Dali
Philippe Halsman, Salvador Dali
In 1954, renowned Surrealist painter Salvador Dalí and celebrated portrait photographer Philippe Halsman published Dalí’s Mustache, a whimsical and surreal book blending photography and text. This cult classic, recently reprinted by Flammarion, presents a playful and absurd dialogue between two close friends.
The exhibition features 32 original silver prints from the book. These photographs showcase the creativity and humor that defined Halsman’s work, establishing him as one of the most prominent celebrity photographers of the 20th century. Known for his striking imagery and psychological insight, Halsman shot more Life magazine covers than any other photographer—101 in total.
Despite his technical mastery, Halsman emphasized that true portraiture lies in capturing the subject’s essence rather than aesthetic perfection. In his collaboration with Dalí, this philosophy resulted in iconic, imaginative portraits that reflect both the artist’s eccentric persona and the photographer’s probing lens.
WORKS
32
DIMENSIONS
16 x 20 (inches)
SPACE REQUIREMENTS
Aprox. 175 linear feet
INQUIRIES
exhibitions@curatorial.org
626.577.0044