A Surreal Look at Salvador Dali

“The difference between me and the Surrealists is that I am a Surrealist.”

Salvador Dali

A Surreal Look at Salvador Dali

During this lesson, we are going talk about a

movement called Surrealism and one of the most well-known artists of that time;

Salvador Dali.

We will study both topics and then analyze some of Dali’s work to see how he uses Surrealism in each of his paintings.

We will study the iconography and what it represents to find the meaning behind each piece.

Once we are finished, you will all take a short quiz and have the opportunity to paint your own surrealist painting.

A Surreal Look at Salvador Dali

Born in Figueres, Spain. Attended the San

Fernando Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid.

Although Dali was influenced by many different styles of art, he was most famous for his surreal-style paintings.

His painting “The Persistence of Memory”, is one of his most famous pieces.

Salvador Dali(1904-1989)

Deliberately created paintings that seem irrational and complex.

Often featured himself as a hidden figure in his work.

He was part of the first Surrealist exhibit in the USA in 1932.

He wrote a screenplay called Babaouo. That same year, the “Zodiaque” group was

established, and began regularly buying Dali’s work.

Salvador Dali

Joined the surrealist movement while Andre Breton was the leader.

That same year, he met Gala Eluard. She was already married to Paul Eluard,

but became Dali’s lover and later, his wife.

Dali was expelled from the Surrealist movement in 1934 for being politically neutral.

Salvador Dali(1904-1989)

Surrealism is a style of art and literature stressing the subconscious or non-rational significance of imagery arrived at by automatism or the exploitation of chance effects, unexpected juxtapositions, etc.

Surrealism

Movement took place during the 20th century as an avant-garde (new and unusual or experimental) movement and sought to release the creative potential of the subconscious mind.

Based on the idea of positive expression and the true function of thought.

Surrealism

Began in Europe. Expanded throughout and was centered in Paris. Attracted members of the Dada community. Featured iconography influenced by dream-like images or images that have no logic or meaning.

Surrealism

Founded by Andre Breton, who was leader until Dali Took his place. Breton wrote his “First Manifesto of Surrealism”, which was published in 1924. In the manifesto, Breton explains that

Surrealism can be applied to real life circumstances and is not limited to a style of literature and art.

Surrealism

Let’s review some of Dali’s work and discuss the possible meaning or message that he was trying to

convey.

Look at when the painting was done.• What was happening during the

time period?

Look at the iconography he uses.• What does it represent?• How is it relevant?

• What’s the story behind it?

Think outside the box! There are no wrong answers!

The Enigma of Desire – My Mother, My Mother, My Mother (1929)

The Persistence of Memory (1931)

Giraffe on Fire (1936)

Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee

Around a Pomegranate

Seconds Before Waking Up (1944)

The Temptation of Saint Anthony (1946)

Image References

All images of Salvador Dali: http://blogue.us/2010/09/23/fashion-flashback-salvador-dali/

All images of Paintings: http://www.dali-gallery.com/html/galleries/paintings.htm

Image of Andre Breton: http://www.flickr.com/photos/confetta/2502840294/

You’ve learned about the Surrealist movement and how Surrealism influenced Dali’s work.

You understand the definition of Surrealism and the illogical and dream-like iconography used within this style.

Now you will take a quiz and then have the opportunity to create your own surrealist style painting.

After everyone has completed their piece, we will look at each them as a class and discuss the possible meaning and interpretation of each student’s work.

Application

You may use you any color scheme and imagery that you like.

Remember to use dream-like or illogical images.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ideas.

Be creative!

You will be graded according to:

Your creativity. Your technique. Usage of imagery. How well you can

convey your understanding of Surrealism.

Application

Which piece is considered to be one of Dali’s most famous paintings?

a) “The Invisible Man”b) “The Persistence of Memory”c) “The Enigma of Desire: My Mother, My M

other, My Mother”d) “The Elephants”

EvaluationQuestion 1:

When was Dali expelled from the Surrealist movement?

a) 1934b) 1929c) 1956d) 1924

EvaluationQuestion 2:

Who was the founder of Surrealism?a) Salvador Dalib) Man Rayc) Rene Magritted) Andre Bretone) Georgio De Chirico

EvaluationQuestion 3:

What kind of iconography would be used in a surreal style work of art?

a) Dream like imagesb) Real life imagesc) Images with no real logic or reasond) Pretty imagese) Both a and c are correct

EvaluationQuestion 4:

Salvador Dali was expelled from the Surrealist movement because…

a) The Surrealists didn’t agree with his religious views.

b) He wasn’t expelled, he willingly left.c) Another Surrealist wanted to take his plac

e as leader.d) He was politically neutral.

EvaluationQuestion 5:

The book that Andre Breton wrote about Surrealism was called,

a) Babaouob) The Yellow Manifestoc) The First Manifesto of Surrealismd) The Mystical Manifesto

EvaluationQuestion 6:

Dali’s painting, “The Temptation of Saint Anthony”, was completed in:

a) 1926b) 1946c) 1944d) 1938

EvaluationQuestion 7:

Great Job! You have completed

this lesson!