When we think of Alighiero Boetti we do not automatically remember the support he received throughout his career from his Afghan assistant, Salman Ali.
They met in Kabul in 1971, and travelled to Rome two years later. Their initial collaboration rapidly evolved into a far more intense relationship: not simply as assistant, but a truly close member of the family, who now describes his experience as a direct witness of Boetti’s personal and artistic life in his autobiography.
Proof of this close bond can be found in the personal collection of works given to Salman by his dear friend Alighiero, and in the substantial photographic archives: glimpses of everyday life, travels, and numerous exhibitions. An extraordinary collection of material that the Tornabuoni Gallery is putting on show in a travelling exhibition in Milan and Paris; it will share with the public some of the more personal and intimate aspects of the work of one of Italy’s greatest contemporary artists.
The book includes the personal text written by Salman Ali in Italian and English, famous works and photographs on show in the exhibition, and texts by Clino Trini Castelli, Bruno Corà and Giorgio Colombo, who were all witness to the close relationship between the two friends.