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27/3/2005

Horst Tappe

The Harriman Institute, New York

Photographs. Nabokov in Montreux

The Russian American Cultural Center and The Harriman Institute at Columbia University are pleased to announce the opening of the exhibition, Nabokov in Montreux photographs by Horst Tappe, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Nabokov's most famous novel, "Lolita."

Nabokov in Montreux is a unique collection of photographs by Swiss photographer, Horst Tappe. Taken throughout the years 1961-1977 in Montreux, Switzerland, Vladimir Nabokov's last residence in his country of choice, the photographs reveal an intimate look into the life of one of the 20th century’s most prominent and enigmatic writers. Horst Tappe had the rare opportunity to photograph Nabokov in casual and private settings, and the photographs are both strikingly genuine and intriguing, as they portray a side to Nabokov that we have never before seen.

Nabokov’s decision to spend his last days at the Montreux Palace was a logical choice considering the upheavals of his past. During the Russian revolution, Nabokov’s prominent family lost everything they had, as their world of wealth and privilege crumbled before their eyes. Following the revolution, Nabokov was uprooted several times and eventually fled Europe during War World II with his Jewish wife and a son. He always thought it symbolic that the only surviving relic of his past was the family’s suitcase that traveled with them through immigration. These experiences left Nabokov with the feeling that nothing in life is permanent, a theme that is constantly reflected in Nabokov’s works, as his characters, including the notorious Lolita, also live with the sense that home is never for sure.

Horst Tappe’s photographs of Nabokov catching butterflies, buying “Time” magazine at the local kiosk and relaxing on the hotel’s veranda seem to put all the pieces of Nabokov’s life into place. At the luxurious hotel amongst the breathtaking landscape, Nabokov finally found peace and comfort, and was able to pursue his passions in a multi-lingual country void of any predominant national ideology.

Horst Tappe’s photographic repertoire consists of many exceptional and famous personalities such as, Pablo Picasso, Charlie Chaplin, George Simenon, Alfred Hitchcock, Gabriel Garcia Marquez etc. Although always choosing to remain on the sidelines, Tappe possesses the extraordinary ability to develop close relationships with those he photographs. Tappe describes his relationship with Nabokov as his warmest relationship to date.

Nabokov in Montreux serves as an amazing visual addition to Nabokov’s biography, and the strong dramatic images are a window into Nabokov’s very private sphere revealing the connection between his life and literature and his personality comprised of both reservation and passion.

Curated by Regina Khidekel

This exhibition is made possible with support from The Harriman Institute, The Arts Council of Switzerland Pro Helvetia, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs

Exhibition Opening: Monday, March 28, 2005, 6:00-8:00 PM

The Harriman Institute
Columbia University
420 West 118th Street, 12th Floor
New York

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