City of Dreams unveils Haas Brothers and Horst exhibitions

City of Dreams Macau unveiled the immersive art exhibition “The Haas Brothers: Clair de Lune” and a major retrospective of iconic fashion photographer Horst P. Horst as part of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2025.

The exhibition, “Clair de Lune,” uses the flow of light as a central metaphor to construct an emotionally layered narrative, brought to life by a whimsical, anthropomorphic character that guides visitors through the experience.
Blending sculpture, storytelling, and design, “Clair de Lune” reflects the Haas Brothers’ signature approach to merging fantasy with fine art.

The special exhibition features six pieces that construct a poetic and imaginative world under the moonlight. Among them, five lamp sculptures are inspired by the Moon Towers, including “A Street Light Named Desire,” “Let There Be Street Light,” “A Light in the Streets and Freak in the Sheets,” “Lamp of Approval,” and “Light to Remain Silent.”

Meanwhile, City of Dreams is also showcasing Horst’s exhibition, offering a glimpse into the German-American artist’s timeless work and influence on both Western and Chinese fashion photography.

Running through September 12, the exhibition includes guided tours and features more than a hundred images that trace Horst’s stylistic evolution and enduring legacy.
In addition to his original photographs, the exhibition features works by Chinese fashion photographers inspired by Horst’s style.

During a guided tour last week, the first section was introduced to highlight his mastery of light, composition, and atmospheric illusion, focusing on key techniques and influential figures in photography.
Horst was one of the first to photograph models in pairs and often incorporated handcrafted elements, such as a starry background he personally created.

One significant photograph features model Carmen Dell’Orefice, who began modeling at age 15 and remains active into her 90s.

Horst’s work often included surrealistic elements influenced by his friendships with artists like Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dalí. He blended fashion with surrealism, using shadow and light to enhance the unique poses and costumes of his subjects.

The exhibition also addresses societal obsessions with beauty, as depicted in the photograph “Electric Beauty,” which highlights dangerous beauty regimens of the time.

In the 1960s, Horst’s work for Vogue showcased the homes of well-known artists and designers, including Yves Saint Laurent.
The exhibition concludes with a focus on the rise of Chinese fashion photography in the 1980s, which blended European and Asian trends. Contemporary photographers like Feng Hai and Nick Yang continue to draw inspiration from Horst’s techniques, ensuring his legacy in fashion photography endures. Times Reporter