Salvador Dali is widely considered to be one the most revolutionary and influential artists of early 20th-century. His childhood, travels through Europe, Dada philosophy and many other artistic movements of the 1900s influenced Dali throughout his life. Salvador Dali was open to trying new styles as he saw the world changing around him. Dali was both a pioneer artist and a skilled promoter.
Salvador Felipe Jacinto Dali y Domenech, a very supportive family from Figueres, Spain, was born on May 11, 1904. His older brother Salvador was also born nine months before his own. Salvador died of gastroenteritis shortly before Salvador Dali was. Dali was raised by his parents to believe that Salvador was a second-generation brother. However, Dali believes that Salvador died from gastroenteritis. Salvador Dali was an artist from a very young age and his parents were supportive of this talent. He was able to develop his art skills by having an art studio built in his home by his parents before he ever went to school. Dali was twelve when he was sent by his parents to the Colegio de Hermanos Maristas as well as the Instituto. Dali was successful in cultivating his talent as an artist among young, creative minds. Dali’s mother, who was only 16, died of breast carcinoma when Dali turned 16. This experience had a significant impact on Dali’s perspective on life. Salvador Dali understood that the tragedy of this event was his mother’s death and that he would be forgotten. Dali loved very deeply his mother, who supported him in his artistic endeavors. As a child, she loved Dali’s paintings and would indulge in them. Dali was worried about leaving a legacy in the wake of his mother’s death. He made a vow to be known throughout his life.
Dali started his art career at the Municipal Theatre of Figueres at just fifteen years of age. This was his first public art exhibit showcasing his charcoal painting talents. When he was at Academia Del San Fernando, Madrid, he learned other methods. Dali participated in many movements, including Surrealism and Metaphysics. Dali spent this time learning about the principles behind each style and experimented with them. He copied the designs of Bronzino’s and Rafael’s classics. He also took part in avant-garde movements including Dada. This anti-establishment movement was started right after World War 2.
Dadaists believed capitalist and imperialist logic was the root cause the Great War. During World War II, nations fought for their superiority and other countries. The Dada revolution addressed morals, ethics and other issues that were opposed to war. Some people believed the current world was one of mutual destruction. Instead of protecting each other, countries would look out for one another and then imperialize the world. The ideology of war was countered by many artists who created art. This movement produced art that was unlike any other. It was not designed to be visually appealing because it did not serve a purpose. The art was intended to inform the public and make statements. The Dada movement was born out of post-war depression and economic turmoil.
Dali’s paintings often featured three themes: the man’s universe and sexual sensations. Dali often painted his subconscious fantasies and dreams. Dali loved Sigmund and Freud’s psychoanalytic theories. Many of his characters would seem to be experiencing hallucinations. Dali was a creative artist and could paint both the real world and the subconscious. Dali was meticulous and imaginative, but not as precise as the Renaissance artists. Later in his career, Dali married Elena Dmitrievna Diakonova, a Russian businesswoman. Gala was completely opposite to Dali but they were a great match. Gala was a counterbalance to Dali’s creative forces. However, they were unable to manage the finances. Gala would manage the legal and financial aspects of art dealers and museums, as well as contracts. Dali’s painting were as eccentric as his life. The Persistence of Memory is Dali’s most well-known work. It was published in 1931. Also called Soft Watches. This painting was created by Marie-Laure, Viscountess Charles, and Viscountess Charles. They were aware that Dali was a significant figure in Surrealist culture.
Surrealism was an art movement that mixed dreams and realities. Paintings and sculptures often combined fantasy-like elements with real-life situations. Dali’s paintings were primarily Surrealist. Many of his paintings featured landscapes featuring objects in unrealistic positions. The Persistence of Memory, Dali’s most well-known work of art, was created in 1931. The Julien Levy Gallery was home to this work from 1932 through 1934. This gallery was well-known and popular among Surrealists. The anonymous donor donated the painting to New York City’s Museum of Modern Art in 1934. It is made from oils on canvas. It measures 24 cm x 33 cm. The main image is made up of a series melt clocks. Dali was trying at the time to demonstrate the differences between sharp and soft features in a photograph. The painting’s tones are very warm. This painting can be interpreted from many angles.
Dali was a unique artist. He is a well-known Surrealist. His paintings are known for their fine details. Salvador Dali is an icon of 20th-century art. He was also influenced heavily by Surrealism and Dada.
Works citées
‘Salvador Dali.’ Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. Web. 08 Jan. 2016.
The 1931 painting by Salvador Dalí, ‘The Persistence of Memory,’ continues to fascinate viewers. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 08 Jan. 2016.
‘Surrealism.’ Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 08 Jan. 2016.
‘Salvador Dali.’ Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 08 Jan. 2016.
A painting by Spanish artist Salvador Dali called ‘Swans Reflecting Elephants’ is featured in Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 08 Jan. 2016.
