NAVIGATIONALL ARTISTS
Salvador
Felipe Jacinto Dalí Domènech Marquis of Pubol (May 11, 1904
– January 23, 1989), popularly known as Salvador Dalí,
he was born in Figueras, Spain and became one of the more influential
painters of the 20th Century. Dalí was a versatile artist whose
art is rich with symbols - many of which were understood by Salvador Dali
only and had to be explained at length which suited his self-aggrandizing
style. Dali never limited himself solely to painting - some of his more
popular artistic works are sculptures and other objects, and he is also
noted for his contributions to theatre, fashion, and photography. His
influence in art is due nearly equally to both his painting style as well
as his flamboyant nature - nearly his every waking moment was an effort
to draw attention to himself. Dali was known as a Surrealist and is classified
as such today though much of his work differs greatly from most Surrealist
painters of the time. This fact was not lost on Dali who famously proclaimed,
"Le surréalisme, c'est moi." (I am surrealism) and he
did in fact take Surrealism to new heights. Much of Dali's efforts during
his life were to distance himself from others both socially, and politically,
to create iconic status for himself. This effort can be summed up in the
artists own words, "at the age of six I wished to be a female cook,
at seven Napoleon, ever since, my ambition has been continually on the
increase, as has my megalomania: now all I want to be is Salvador Dali.
But the closer I get to my goal, the further Salvador Dali drifts away
from me." When his compatriots were mostly socialists and communists
Dali proclaimed his support for the fascist government of Francisco Franco
though it is doubtful Dali had any political convictions beyond those
that would promote Salvador Dali (Francoists wrecked the cinema in protest
of the film L'age d'or a Dali/Bunuel film). During his final days in a
hospital in Barcelona his biographers write that he would watch news broadcasts
to "find out if he was near death or recovery", Salvador Dali
the man was both master and servant to Dali the icon. During the year
of his death there were rumors that his estate realizing he was near the
end began to purchase back previously sold artwork with full knowledge
that their value would increase exponetially upon his death.There have
also been allegations that his guardians forced Dalí to sign blank
canvasses that would, after his death, be used and sold as originals.
As a result, art dealers tend to be wary of late works attributed to Dalí.
To find out more about Dali visit Fundacio
Gala-Salvador Dali a wonderful website run by the estate of Salvador
Dali about the museum and the artists final home in Dali's hometown of
Figueras in Spain. Below you will find a selection of Dali's works simply
click on the thumbnail to be routed to that page with a larger image as
well as information about that work.
