Salvador Dalí’s Surrealist Screenplay ‘Giraffes on Horseback Salad’ Was Never Made. Can A.I. Bring It to Life? The Dalí Museum is collaborating with an advertising agency to “reawaken” the Spanish artist’s failed script, which studio executives rejected nearly 90 years ago A still from the Giraffes on Horseback Salad trailer Goodby Silverstein & Partners In 1937, Salvador Dalí conceived of a movie that would star the Marx Brothers against a bizarre, romantic dreamscape filled with animals and fire. But when the Spanish artist brought his drawings and notes for Giraffes on Horseback Salad, as he called it, to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the studio decided it would be impossible to produce. Now, nearly 90 years later, Dalí’s abandoned film is finally coming together—produced not by MGM, but by artificial intelligence. The Dalí Museum in Florida is partnering with Goodby Silverstein & Partners, a San Francisco-based advertising agency, to bring the project to life using Dalí’s surviving notes and Google’s A.I. tools. While the film is still in development, a trailer was released on YouTube in April. “Salvador Dalí said that he would be remembered for the words he wrote even more than for his paintings,” says Hank Hine, director of the Dalí Museum, in a statement. “This technology, in the respectful hands of artists, allows Dalí’s imagined world, locked in language, to erupt into visibility.” Giraffes on Horseback Salad, Inspired by Salvador Dalí's Screenplay | Official Trailer Watch on Best known for his melting clocks in the painting The Persistence of MemorySurrealist artist and filmmaker. Working with the Spanish director Luis Buñuel, he wrote the screenplays for several Surrealist films, including An Andalusian Dog (1929) and The Golden Age (1930). In 1936, Dalí met Harpo Marx in Paris, where the American comedian was in the midst of a publicity tour. Even though they didn’t speak the same language, the two men quickly connected. Dalí began working on Giraffes on Horseback Salad with the Marx Brothers in mind. In 1937, he flew to the United States to pitch the idea. Harpo’s son, Bill Marx, was a small child when he stumbled upon a copy of the script. As he told NPR’s Peter Breslow in 2019, “I started reading it, and I really couldn’t make heads or tails of it.” The story follows a Spanish businessman named Jimmy who falls in love with a faceless “Surrealist woman” who “draws him into her universe, one that is vibrant, chaotic and boundless,” according to the Dalí Museum. “But as their worlds begin to merge, so does the conflict—blurring the line between imagination and destruction. Like Dalí’s own time, it is a story where beauty and chaos collide, where the limits of reality are shattered, and where creation and annihilation go hand in hand.” Salvador Dalí in 1936, around the time he met Harpo Marx Bettmann via Getty Images When Dalí and Harpo pitched the idea to MGM producer Louis B. Mayer, the meeting “did not go well,” according to Josh Frank and Tim Heidecker’s 2019 graphic novel adaptation of the script. The studio rejected the script for its impracticality, while Groucho Marx rejected it for lack of humor, saying, “It won’t play,” per NPR’s Etelka Lehoczky. Could Giraffes on Horseback Salad play for a 21st-century audience? The new film pulls from Dalí’s surviving notes and sketches. “Bringing this vision to life required not only advanced technology, but also a deep understanding of Dalí’s artistic language,” says the museum in the statement. “Every surreal element had to be carefully reconstructed to reflect his original intent, ensuring that what was once fragmented and forgotten now comes together as a cohesive cinematic experience.” The new film was announced in early April. Goodby Silverstein & Partners However, Ben Davis, a critic for Artnet, writes that the new A.I. interpretation is full of “chintzy sub-sub-Surrealist imagery” that has “little to do with Dali’s original vision.” For example, Dalí’s script says the face of the “Surrealist woman” is never revealed. But in the new trailer, as a narrator says “Surrealist woman,” a female face fills the screen. Davis cites visual errors in the trailer—like a misshapen human ear, a harp string passing through a finger and incorrect Roman numerals on a clock—and argues that “the madcap feeling of Dalí’s idea … has been processed into something with the feeling of a vacuous fashion shoot.” Giraffes on Horseback Salad isn’t the first collaboration between the Dalí Museum and Goodby Silverstein & Partners. Last year, they announced a project called “Ask Dalí,” a functional replica of the artist’s famous lobster telephone at the museum. When visitors picked up the phone, they could speak with an A.I. version of Dalí, which was trained on old writings and archival audio. In late 2022, the two groups released “Dream Tapestry,” which generated Surrealist art based on visitors’ descriptions of their dreams. The new film is their latest attempt to build on Dalí’s work through emerging technology. “Dalí imagined a film so surreal, so untethered from convention, that it couldn’t exist in his lifetime,” says Jeff Goodby, the agency’s co-chairman, in the statement. “We’ve been able to help bring that vision to life—not as a replica, but as a reawakening.” Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.

A New Exhibition Brings Fresh Recognition to a Groundbreaking But Largely Forgotten Surrealist At London’s Tate Britain, a major retrospective takes a long look at the work of Margaret Ithell Colquhoun Connections between the natural world, the divine and the erotic were a favorite theme for Colquhoun, who described Earth Process, 1940, as an “image from a half-conscious experience.” Tate, presented by the National Trust 2016. © Tate. Photo © Tate (Sam Day) British artist and writer Margaret Ithell Colquhoun was a pioneer of Surrealist “automatism,” creating images from charcoal shavings or letting her unconscious take charge of a pen. Such methods had a “divinatory power,” she explained, comparing them to “the practices of clairvoyants who use … tea leaves and coffee grounds to set in motion their telepathic faculty.” While she traveled in the same circles as household names like Salvador Dalí, Colquhoun broke with Surrealism in 1940 to focus on the occult, a move that may have contributed to her relative obscurity by the time of her death in 1988. This month, however, a major retrospective of Colquhoun’s work will open at London’s Tate Britain, after a stint at the museum’s Cornwall branch. It’s the first since her rediscovery by a new generation of artists drawn to her explorations of women’s sexuality, spirituality and the natural world. “Over the years I have followed the path blazed by Colquhoun,” writes the British artist Linder Sterling, in an essay about the show, and felt “her encouragement from beyond the grave.”    Gorgon, Ithell Colquhoun, 1946. Private Collection © Spire Healthcare, © Noise Abatement Society, © Samaritans Ages of Man, Ithell Colquhoun, 1944. Tate, Presented by the National Trust 2016, accessioned 2022 © Tate. Photo © Tate (Joe Humphrys) Alcove, Ithell Colquhoun, 1946. Private Collection © Spire Healthcare, © Noise Abatement Society, © Samaritans Subscribe to Smithsonian magazine now for just $19.99 This article is a selection from the June 2025 issue of Smithsonian magazine Get the latest Travel & Culture stories in your inbox. More about: Art Art History Artists Modern Art Surrealism

Pictured above: A media room designed by Robin Henry, featuring an RT Facts lamp with custom shade.Let’s be honest: lampshades don’t always get the love they deserve. But this small design detail can totally transform the look and feel of a room. The right shade can elevate a lamp from basic to brilliant, soften a space with warm ambient light, or make a bold statement all on its own. And now that lampscaping—the idea of using multiple lamps (table, floor, and task) to layer light throughout a space instead of relying on harsh overheads—is officially a thing, knowing how to pick the best shade for your lamp feels more essential than ever. It's all about creating ambiance and mood, and it starts with choosing the right topper.Whether you're going classic, playful, minimalist, or maximalist, there’s a shade out there just waiting to light up your life. (See what we did there?) Don’t be afraid to mix and match lamp bases and shades for a custom, curated look. A sculptural base with a pleated or patterned shade? Yes, please. A sleek brass lamp with a bold-colored linen shade? Instant upgrade. Lampshades are an easy, affordable way to refresh your decor without a full-on overhaul—so have fun with it. Just don’t forget to consider size, shape, and material to make sure your lamp’s glow-up is as good as it gets. We asked interior designers to enlighten us (we really couldn’t help ourselves) on how to pick the perfect lampshade and ensure the scale is on point.Related StoriesChoose a SizeNicolas GourguechonFollowing the rule of thumb, the shade-to-base ratio of this entryway lamp in designer Devin Kirk’s own home is perfectly balanced.Amy NeunsingerTwo light sources mean two different shades and fittings in the Quadrille Arbre de Matisse adorned guest room of this home designed by Mark D. Sikes.Size definitely matters—at least when it comes to lampshades. First things first: proportions. A too-small shade looks awkward, and a too-large one can overwhelm the base. As a rule of thumb, according to interior designer and author Lauren Liess, "a lampshade should be roughly two-fifths of the total height of the full lamp, including the shade." So, if your lamp is 30 inches tall, aim for a 20-inch shade. That said, “there’s always an exception,” Liess adds. Retro styles often play with scale and can look fantastic with oversized or unusually shaped shades. A tall shade on a short, squat base? Totally works—just embrace the proportions. Width-wise, the shade should typically match the height of the base. And yes, it should always cover the bulb socket and any hardware. This is not the time for exposed necks. Speaking of hardware, not all shades work with all lamps, so fittings matter. The most common is a spider fitter, which works with lamps that have a harp and finial. If your lamp doesn’t have a harp, try an UNO fitter (it attaches directly to the socket). And for chandeliers or small accent lamps, clip-on shades are a quick and easy option. Just make sure whatever you use sits level and snug—wobbly lamp syndrome is never chic.Related StoryChoose a ShapeNathan SchroderA crisp white drum adorns a statement lamp base, making it stand out against the charcoal draperies in the dining room of this Dallas home designed by Studio Thomas James.Eric PiaseckiA stark white sculptural base paired with a simple tapered shade stands out while still letting the faux moiré painted walls shine in this Westchester County, NY, farmhouse designed by Robin Henry.Lampshades come in all shapes, and each one sets a different tone. Drum shades—those modern cylindrical beauties—are perfect for both contemporary and midcentury styles. “The drum is versatile enough for both modern and traditional interiors,” says Liess. Whitney Tingle, director of interior design at Christopher Architecture & Interiors, loves using oversize drum shades in linen to soften bold, sculptural bases with understated texture. Empire, coolie, and other tapered shade styles, which slope from a narrow top to a wide base, are timeless and elegant. Liess recommends them for chunkier, rounder lamp bases—think genie bottles or spherical silhouettes. For something romantic and soft, look no further than bell shades. Their graceful curves bring a vintage-inspired, feminine touch to more traditional spaces. Nicolas GourguechonFor his own home, designer Devin Kirk matched a square lamp shade with a vintage, metallic base of similar shape for an impactful lighting detail in this sophisticated family room.Lisa Romerein/Otto"In one of my favorite master bedrooms, this patterned shade adds dimension and an unexpected wit while staying traditional." — Michael S. SmithOn the other end of the spectrum, square and rectangular shades lend structure and sharpness, and they’re best used on lamps that also have a square or rectangular shape, according to Liess. Short on space? Oval shades are a smart solution. They’re ideal for lamps with distinct front-and-back silhouettes and add a polished feel without taking up extra room. And then, there are pleated shades—the darlings of traditional design. “They make a space feel decorated,” says Liess, who calls them an “old-guard designers’ staple.” Tingle recommends customizing pleated shades with color and pattern for maximum personality, especially when paired with a simple brass base.Related StoryChoose a MaterialFrancesco Lagnese"Zuber wallpaper is too expensive to not use every square inch of it, so we made shades from leftover scraps." — Tom ScheererBrie WilliamsBasic white lampshades were swapped for custom Euro-style “skirted” versions in a striped pattern that echoes the ridges of the lamp base in this primary bedroom by Heidi Woodman.Material doesn’t just determine the look of your shade—it defines the quality and style of the light itself. Paper shades are minimal and clean, often found in Scandinavian and Japandi-inspired interiors. They're especially charming in pendant or hanging styles. Designer Tom Scheerer has even used leftover wallpaper to create custom paper shades, giving his space a "surrealist touch." Fabric shades—linen, cotton, or silk—are the most versatile. Linen and cotton diffuse light beautifully, making any space feel soft and inviting. Silk ups the drama, casting a flattering, luxe glow that's perfect for bedrooms or formal living areas. These materials can work with virtually any shape or lamp style. Lampshade skirts, like those seen in interior designer Heidi Woodman's space, are also a fun option when using fabric for shades.Want something a little more modern and edgy? Metal shades cast directional light that's great for task lighting—perfect on a desk or reading lamp. Just a heads up from Liess: Metal shades can heat up, so skip them in nurseries or kid-centric zones. Or you can add unexpected texture and an instant coastal feel with a shade made out of rattan. Related StoryChoose a Color and PatternStephen KarlischIn her own home, designer Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey used Coquette fabric by Kelly Wearstler on the walls, bed, and lampshades for the lighting on the bookshelf, while the bedside lamps are paired with custom lampshades from Shades from the Midnight Sun.Simon Watson"I love Pierre Frey’s Le Manach Balmoral and, inspired by French bedrooms, I used it all over. Custom-covered shades add so much." — Ellen NivenThis is where you get to play. If your lamp base is doing most of the talking, stick with a neutral shade—think white, beige, or soft gray. These tones complement almost everything without drawing too much attention. But if you want your shade to be the star, don’t hold back. Patterned or brightly colored shades can instantly energize a room. Want to go full-on, pattern-drenching maximalist? Try matching your shade fabric to drapery, pillows, or even wallpaper. “It becomes more than just a lighting element,” says Tingle. “It transforms into a cohesive design feature, seamlessly tying into the overall narrative of the space.” Frank Frances StudioDesigner Courtney McLeod paired a Broome lampshade with a Wildwood lamp for this sultry primary bedroom in her clients’ downtown New York apartment.And yes, we’re here for the moody, sexy glow of a dark shade too. It’s perfect for intimate nooks or elegant bedrooms where atmosphere is everything.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Traditional photography focuses on capturing or enhancing reality, while my digital art photography is a recreation beyond reality. From meticulous pre-shoot planning and concept development to refined post-production, compositing, and special effects, every step is a deliberate transformation of reality?crafted to present a bold new visual world that transcends traditional photography?a dreamlike realm never before seen, never existing in the real world. Ethereal and surreal, my work defies the laws of physics; fantasy and science fiction intertwine to construct an otherworldly dimension. Here, light, color, and form flow freely, no longer mere reflections of reality but vessels of emotion and thought. Each creation evolves into a surrealist masterpiece, inviting viewers to explore the boundless possibilities of art?where vision and imagination converge.

Since its last major redesign in 2022, Airbnb has been all about the destination: staying in homes so unique or glamorous—from McMansions with amazing pools to surrealist homes in a shoe—that they might be worth a trip unto itself. But starting today, Airbnb is expanding its purview beyond homes . . . again. It’s launching a new product called Airbnb Services, and redoubling on Airbnb Experiences (first launched in 2016). [Photo: Damien Maloney/courtesy Airbnb] What is Airbnb Services? Services considers everything that you might want to accompany that home you’re renting. Photography. A manicure. A massage or spa treatment. A personal trainer. A private chef or fully catered experience. It’s basically everything you could imagine around a wedding, weekend get-together with friends, or even a corporate retreat. Meanwhile, Experiences falls under the greater umbrella of “stuff for tourists.” These outings hosted by locals include walking tours of local landmarks, cooking classes, and shopping experiences. (They can also include something Airbnb is dubbing Airbnb Originals, which are higher-profile events like getting glammed up with Sabrina Carpenter for a day.) [Photo: Karla Ximena Ceron/courtesy Airbnb] Redesigning an app to do more stuff To offer these new features, Services and Experiences will both get their own tab right on top of the app, alongside Homes. For anyone who has booked a home on Airbnb, the biggest update will be a complete trip timeline that includes both your rental and anything else you’ve signed up to do. (Airbnb also intends to sell you on services and experiences after you’ve booked a place to stay.) Summarized, these updates might seem pretty small—and in line with Airbnb’s own experimentation for the past decade. The company has hit a mature era of its business, growing 6% year over year. Rental prices have been flat for Airbnb recently, but a bright spot pushing those earnings has been Experiences.  By pushing Experiences to a more front-and-center position in the app, and accompanying them with Services, Airbnb is pushing the pedal down on all the stuff they can make money on that’s not housing. And in doing so, it becomes as much an event planner as a vacation tool, arguably capable of upping what it can charge by tenfold.  Consider that the average vacation costs Americans about $2,800, but the average wedding costs Americans $33,000. Before this update, it would have been inconceivable to book a wedding (complete with hair, food, and entertainment) on Airbnb. After this update, it seems downright simple. Time will tell how deeply Airbnb can seep into our major events and, in turn, the deepest crevices of our wallets. But with a few tweaks to its existing formula, Airbnb is banking on being a lot more than another vacation app.

Spoons, knives, and forks encrusted with gems, or fashioned by hand in sterling silver twisted to look like ribbons: We are in the dawn of a new age of beautifully crafted eating utensils. But it’s hard to call it a trend. Indeed, since Homo sapiens first showed up on this planet 300,000 years ago, stylish diners have progressed past eating with our hands, or with twigs and bones, to inventing implements that do more than just transport food from plate to mouth.Chelsie CraigGlass mosaic cutlery set by Arthur Ristor. Records show that from the earliest days of the privileged classes, ambitious hosts have created tablewares out of precious materials. Beyond their utilitarian function, these very fine and often novel implements added exoticism, status, and sparkle to a table. There are surviving examples of eating utensils throughout history, from the bronze knives and forks and wooden spoons found in the tombs of the pharaohs to the silver spoons and ladles discovered intact in the ruins of Pompeii.Whether Viking, Greek, Mandarin, Ottoman, or Saxon, cutlery styles have continually evolved. The one constant: The most creative tablescapes have included artisanal cutlery of distinction and rarity. These objects, including Renaissance travelers’ bejeweled portable cutlery sets and 16th-century apostle spoons, were designed for dining, and also to dazzle and impress. Once the classic trio (spoon, knife, fork) was established, the race began for ever more elaborate versions. Precious and semiprecious gems, silver and gold, rare woods, coral, and ivory were transformed into utensils crafted with great originality and beauty.Chelsie CraigSterling silver and diamond ribbon cutlery set by Leo Costelloe. The Victorians, with their aspic sickles, grape scissors, and terrapin forks, took it to the next level by inventing an eating tool for every conceivable situation. Meanwhile, in Russia, the House of Fabergé supplied silver and gold tableware to imperial palaces (much of which was melted down by the Bolsheviks during the revolution). In the U.S., Tiffany & Co. was the Gilded Age go-to for elegant flatware services with pieces numbering in the hundreds.Many artists have taken a stab at designing cutlery over the years. In 1966 Claude Lalanne designed her iconic Iolas silverware—complete with forks, knives, spoons, implements for eating fish, and cake knives—in a design that mixed interlacing leaves with crustacean motifs. If that sounds Dalíesque, the surrealist himself created silver-gilt cutlery, including a three-pronged elephant fork with two ruby eyes. In the 1930s the mobile master Alexander Calder put his own spin on utensils with sets fashioned from brass, iron, and silver wire.Chelsie CraigThe Totemic Devotion Cutlery set by Alighieri with 24 karat gold plated stems. Today a new generation of artisans is creating cutlery that is as much sculpture, or table jewelry, as it is functional object. It’s a phenomenon driven by the rise of art and design fairs. The contemporary consumer has a feast of new choices, and the global market of patrons abounds. No matter what you may be eating or how you may be serving it, consider the thoughts of one of my brilliant aunts, who is also a wonderful hostess: “Always remember, eye appeal is half the meal.”Coffee spoons by Thalia Maria Silver.This story originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Elle Decor. SUBSCRIBE