“Throughout his life, Dali could never resist it when someone waved a cheque under his nose,” the singer and actress Amanda Lear told French magazine VSD in an article published this week.
In the vibrant and tumultuous art world of the 1970s, a peculiar incident involving Yoko Ono and Salvador Dalí has continued to capture the imagination of many. The avant-garde artist and widow of John Lennon, Yoko Ono, once expressed a desire to own a strand of hair from the iconic moustache of the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. This unusual request set the stage for a fascinating tale of deception, fear, and eccentricity, as recounted by Amanda Lear, Dalí's friend and muse at the time.
Yoko Ono, known for her eclectic tastes and interest in the mystical, reportedly approached Dalí with a generous offer. She was willing to pay $10,000 for just a single hair from his famous moustache. The request, while unusual, was not entirely out of character for Ono, who had a history of collecting and creating art that pushed boundaries and challenged conventions.
However, Salvador Dalí, renowned for his eccentricity and flamboyant personality, harbored a deep-seated superstition. According to Amanda Lear, Dalí believed that Ono was a witch and feared that she might use the hair to cast a spell on him. This fear led him to concoct a clever ruse to fulfill her request without jeopardizing his own safety.
Lear recalls how Dalí enlisted her help to deceive Ono. He instructed her to find a dried blade of grass, place it in an elegant box, and present it as a genuine hair from his moustache. Lear executed the plan flawlessly, and Ono, none the wiser, paid the substantial sum for what she believed to be an authentic piece of Dalí's famous facial hair.
The incident highlights Dalí's penchant for trickery and his enjoyment of exploiting people's desires and gullibility. Lear noted, "Dalí liked to cheat people," and this particular deception stands out as a prime example of his mischievous nature. The story underscores the surrealist master's blend of genius and caprice, a man who thrived on the bizarre and the unexpected.
This anecdote not only adds to the mystique surrounding Salvador Dalí but also sheds light on the fascinating intersection of art, superstition, and the lengths to which people will go to acquire a piece of their idol. For Yoko Ono, it was a unique addition to her collection, albeit not quite what she had in mind. For Dalí, it was another moment of surrealist delight, a testament to his enduring legacy as one of art's most enigmatic figures. ( I found this on Kirk Carlson ’s Facebook page) so thanks to him
VSD
Personally I think Yoko would have understood perfectly and enjoyed the ‘joke’ and the surreal master’s paranoia (sic?) and it becomes even more ‘art' than before! the $10,000 is funny! if you have that kind of money . . . . which someone who rented an apartment for their fur coats certainly has!
more here . . . . .
https://youtu.be/2Y4btzjsb0c?si=ubdoLZXQSHc2eMFw
Dali on Dick Cavett Show
https://www.orwell.ru/library/reviews/dali/english/e_dali
George Orwell on Dali
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