Dalí Atomicus (see below) is an impossible image by photographer Philippe Halsman. As a teacher, trainer and storyteller, I have used it on many occasions. In this post, I have two stories for you. The first is the story behind the photograph. The second is a student's documented attempt to recreate it.
One: the photograph
Philippe Halsman has an obsession with asking his subjects to jump. In this video, I’ll tell you how this led to one of his most famous images – Dalí Atomicus.
Two: the image recreated
A few weeks ago, I shared a lesson plan in the LessonStream Membership which featured Dalí Atomicus. As a follow-up idea, I included a suggestion for students to team up and recreate the image in any way they like – as long as they follow three simple rules:
😾 Do not use real cats or other animals
💦 Do not throw water indoors
🤕 Do not throw human beings either
Last week, Simon in the LessonStream community shared the work of Ilaria – one of his students. And what a great job she did!
Here is Ilaria’s story in her own words:
1. The ingredients
• A chair
• A painting
• A music stand (I had no easel)
• A rope (Unfortunately I have no invisible wire)
• 3 cuddly toys
• A pencil (instead of a brush)
• A bucket of water
• A model called Emily (= the daughter of some friends of mine)
• The photographer (= my sister)
2. The procedure
First we had to find a neutral background. We chose the wall behind my home. I hanged some objects to recreate the scene in Philippe Halsman’s photograph
Then we did a test with the water. It was my job to throw it. It took a couple of attempts to get it right because sometimes the water went too high and sometimes it went too low.
Here is our first attempt with the model. On the count of three, Emily jumped and the the water and toys were thrown. Unfortunately, this was too late for the water and toys
We decided to throw the water and toys on the count of two. But that was too early
This one might have been perfect if the photographer hadn’t been late!
This one would have been perfect if the water had been thrown on time!
3. The product
Finally after one hour and 27 attempts, we finally got the money shot!
And here is a picture of our spectator – the cat who felt safer watching the event from the comfort of a tree!
Thank you and congratulations to Ilaria, Emily and Simon!
The lesson plans
There are now 64 story-based lesson plans in the LessonStream Membership, many of which have a visual literacy theme.
Cats in the Air & Dalí in the Air are our most recent additions. It would be lovely to have you in the community.
