Salvador Dalí: Mad Genius
Leaving behind countless paintings, sculptures, films and more, Dalí is one of the most influential artists of our time. However, when it comes to living an eccentric life, no one can beat Dalí.👀
Catalonia-born Salvador Dalí is one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, synonymous with ‘surrealism.’ From designing the famous Chupa Chups lollipops logo to becoming the face of major brands such as Alka Seltzer and Lanvin Chocolate, Dalí enjoyed different genres and the fame that came with it. He loved creating sensations and controversy.
Dalí was even involved in creating a fragrance called Aphrodite, named after the ‘Aphrodite of Knidos’. The fragrance was dedicated to his wife and muse, Gala.
Surrealism is me!
"I will be a genius, and the world will admire me. Perhaps I’ll be despised and misunderstood, but I’ll be a genius, a great genius, I’m certain of it".
16-year-old Salvador Dalí wrote to his journal, clearly aware of his destined path. Although to be fair, life wasn’t always easy for Dalí. Born in 1904 in a Catalonian town, Dalí was named ‘Salvador’ after his older brother, who had died just before he was born. His parents believed that Dalí was the reincarnation of his brother, which led to a complex sense of self-identity.
Controversy followed Dalí from an early age until his death. In 1926, he was irrevocably expelled from his school in Madrid, where he had previously been suspended and then readmitted. After his expulsion, Dalí began to create more surrealist works under the influence of André Breton and Paul Éluard, pioneers of the Surrealism movement, whom he met in Madrid. Thus began his rise to become a surrealist icon.
Dalí was fortunate and talented enough to achieve fame quickly. He gained popularity in New York, where he was known as the “mad genius”. But, he wanted to return to Catalonia, where he had banned. The artist was accused of fleeing the Spanish Civil War and seeking refuge in America.
In 1940, Dalí converted to Catholicism to be allowed back into Spain. This move led to his estrangement from the surrealist community, who accused him of being anti-republican. Andre Breton, the founder of Surrealism, expelled him from the movement. Surrealists mocked Dalí, calling his work was driven by money rather than art. Dalí responded, “Surrealism is me!”
The Persistence of Memory
Dalí was right; in some sense, Surrealism is Dalí. When we think of the most famous surrealist painting, Dalí’s "The Persistence of Memory" often comes to mind—yes, the one with the strange, melting clocks. Although Dalí left many questions about this work unanswered, the only clue he gave was that a melting Camembert cheese inspired him. Experts believe that the melting and flowing clocks, accompanied by ants and flies, symbolize the deterioration of everything over time. Additionally, Dalí might have been emphasizing that even something as seemingly constant and solid as “time” can eventually succumb to decay.
The Dalinian Triangle?
The most influential places for Salvador Dalí are referred to as the Dalinian Triangle. From his hometown Figueres to Gala Dalí Castle & Museum in Púbol, all of them are conveniently accessible from Barcelona. If you are planning a trip to Barcelona you can add some of these locations to your itinerary. And while you're there, don't forget to explore the hidden gems of Barcelona with Piri Guide’s audio tours!
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Have a great weekend, everyone! See you next week!👋🏼