Salvador Dalí, May 11, 1904 – January 23, 1989, was a prominent Spanish surrealist painter born in Figueres, in the Catalonia region of Spain.
“Pictures, let’s take lots of pictures. I love being photographed by a sympathetic person. I am the greatest prostitute in posing for pictures in the world”. These were Dali’s first words to me when I was taken to meet him by Douglas Cooper in 1967.
Robert was introduced to Salvador Dalí in 1967. At that time Robert was well known as a brilliantly creative photographer, a man who had helped to document the ‘Swinging Sixties’ through his work with famous rock groups such as the Beatles and Cream. The photographer and artist enjoyed an instant rapport, each man understanding one another’s work, and the seeds of lasting friendship were sown.
Robert visited Dalí on a number of occasions and the revealing images he produced represent a uniquely personal record of the controversial Spanish artist. to the outside world, Dalí appeared to be a consummate showman who clearly understood the value publicity and scorned the opinion of any critic who felt that his behavior devalued his work. Robert, however, discovered a very different person; he appreciated the personality of a smart, dedicated artist with a genuine sense of humor who was often misunderstood. Robert enjoyed unprecedented access to Dalí at work and play, relaxing on his boat, or visiting Barcelona where Dalí took delight in the architecture of Antoni Gaudi, a man who had greatly influenced his own creative work.
For more images of Salvador Dali and Licensing inquiries please contact: Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation. www.salvador-dali.org
