In thinking about what Surrealist artist I wanted to do for this particular posting, I found myself gravitating towards choosing Salvador Dalí as I remember someone doing a presentation on him in the past for which I became very intrigued. Because of this, I thought that this would be the perfect time for me to explore Salvador Dalí myself and learn more about his life as a Surrealist artist while at the same time analyzing one of his most famous and widely known Surrealist paintings, The Persistence of Memory.
In looking up some information about Salvador Dalí on the web, it became apparent that he was an artist that stemmed away from the typical artistic ideals as his art illustrated his own ideas, thoughts and opinions. With this, he was not a follower in regards to the Surrealist movement as he did not conform himself to one particular style but rather experimented with a wide range of different themes. His desire to create art that was in its own way captivating and compelling was seen through a wide spectrum of forms as he worked in all media which included paintings of oils and watercolors, drawings, graphics, sculptures, photographs, films, performance pieces, etc. (thedali.org). In realizing that he did not bind himself to being only one type of artist confirms that he was an artist who was constantly growing and evolving. Although Dalí experimented with many different styles and themes throughout his time as a Surrealist artist, one of the most reoccurring themes he explored was the subconscious mind through which the concept of dreams captivates and overtakes most of his art. In learning that when Dalí was a teenager he was fascinated with the ideals and concepts of Sigmund Freud, it became obvious that Freud seemed to have left a big impact on Dalí as he uses this subconscious concept throughout most of the pieces of his work (simplycharly). Although Freud played a substantial role in how Dalí became an artist, Dalí was also heavily influenced by the works of Paris Surrealists who were also in touch with the subconscious mind as they tended to paint images that did not have a direct, definitive purpose (simplycharly). With this, Dalí as well as these Surrealist artists did not hide the fact that much of the imagery found in this art came directly from hallucinations as drugs and dreams were usually the driving forces behind these unusual statements (simplycharly). Overall, it is apparent that despite Dalí’s desire to not be a conformist in Surrealistic art, he did use a theme that was prevalent throughout this movement which gave him the ability to go beyond his limits and create one of the most famous paintings of all time.
In looking up information about the painting The Persistence of Memory or also known as La Persistencia de la Memoria, it became obvious as to why this particular painting is so famous. When I first came across this painting, I became captivated right away through its unique formation of strange objects on the canvas as well as the randomness of the entire scenery in general. Although it may be deceiving to some people, I found this particular painting intriguing as it highlights the subconscious style Dalí liked to use. In learning that this particular painting is oil on canvas, it is obvious that the intense colors used and the shading of the objects are features that help to emphasize the strange objects that are at the focal point of the painting.
It is obvious that there are several different forms of timepieces in the picture as there are three clocks and a pocket watch in the foreground. The interesting part about these figures of time though is that they are in an unusual form as they seem to be melting, drooping and folding in ways that one would not ever see in the real world. For example, one clock is melting away on a tree branch while the other two seem to be melting on unfamiliar objects. With having these objects melting, it contradicts the everyday experience as in reality they would be firm and solid. From this, it alludes to the idea that Dalí is connecting these timepieces to the subconscious, dreamlike state of mind (simplycharly). In regards to this concept Dalí may be portraying the idea that time is irrelevant in the subconscious state of mind where dreams overrule time’s importance (thedaliorg). Along with this idea, it is interesting that there is one watch out of the four that seems to be completely normal as it is not deformed in any way. Even though it appears to be normal, it still has an interesting aspect to it as it is covered in red ants perhaps alluding to the idea that these ants are taking over and destroying it. This could suggest that in the subconscious state, time can decay or die as well (simplycharly). In the end, it seems as if Dalí may have purposely deformed these timepieces in order to captivate the irrelevance of time that exists during sleep as “when we one is asleep, or not conscious, the time does not persist, only memories do” (authenticsociety).
Although the timepieces are the focal points in the foreground of this painting, there is another object that captivates the viewer’s eyes. In the middle of the painting there is a strange figure lying on its side for which has the same melting characteristic as the watches. Although it is difficult to interpret what the figure is, at first glance it looks like a distorted human face. It appears to be a face because there seems to be long eyelashes, one eyebrow and a nose on the left side of it which suggests that it is only the half of someone’s face. Although I am not entirely sure whose face it may be, it connects to the overall subconscious theme that is present in this painting as this object is very strange and would not be seen in reality but rather in a dream.
Another interesting aspect of this painting is the interesting choice for a background as it seems to be contradicting the foreground. Considering the foreground seems to depict the subconscious state as there are very strange deformed objects, the background is completely opposite as it portrays what one would see in reality. The background seems to be of a surreal place as there is a beach that has cliffs adorning its side. In learning that Dalí grew up in Catalonia, Spain along its beaches, I began thinking that this peculiar background may mimic the type of picturesque landscape Dalí constantly saw when he grew up as many of his works are known to share this similar aspect (thedaliorg). Whatever his motives may be for choosing this particular background, it seems to compare the familiar and the unfamiliar as the later is a result of the subconscious state of mind that evokes unique and strange images one would normally not see.
Overall, this particular painting seems to captivate the conflicting sides of reality that Salvador Dalí tended to focus on while creating pieces of art. The fact that Dalí creates a very untraditional painting that produces an uncomfortable feeling for the viewer only confirms that he was not bounded to or limited to following a specific theme or style. Although many different interpretations can be made about this painting, it is obvious that Dalí created a very fascinating and unique painting that portrays his confidence as an artist to create something that is unlike the rest.
Sources Used:
http://thedali.org/history/biography.html
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