The Persistence of Memory, 1931
Salvador Dalí
The Persistence of Memory is undoubtedly the most famous Surrealist painting in history. The dripping clocks reflect the inner workings of Dalí’s subconscious and convey a simple message: time as we know it is meaningless.
What really is Surrealist art? It’s about symbols, dreams, the unconscious, perceiving things differently.
All of us have practiced the art of Surrealism when gazing at stucco on a wall, or clouds in the sky, and seeing different shapes and visages hidden therein.
The Son of Man, 1964
René Magritte
Behind the apple in Magritte’s surreal self-portrait, we have only a brief glimpse of the eye in the corner of the face. We want to see that face.
Magritte stated that “Everything we see hides another thing. We always want to see what is hidden by what we see.”
The Red Tower, 1913
Giorgio de Chirico
De Chirico’s use of color and composition reflect brooding moods and surreal landscapes.
Surrealist art. Complicated? Yes and no.
When next you are gazing at a painting and the words…fantastic, absurd, grotesque, hidden, erotic, bizarre, dreamlike…pop into your head, it is probably a piece of Surrealist art.
This video of Surrealist art and Bob Hope will make you laugh out loud! Click here if you are unable to view the video.
I watched that video just now. Wow. What a mind!
Wonderful, Kirby! So enjoy your efforts.
Thank you for the latest blog. We have spent a lot of time in Belgium which is probably THE home for surrealist painting. If you ever get the chance, go to the Musee des Beaux Arts in Brussels but you may have already done so?
Wonderful! Love De Chirico – his use of shadows are so provocative. Thanks for sharing…it makes me think of the use of metaphor as a way of hiding a plain truth, in order to share a deeper one.
Kirby,
Just received your Blog. As always, informational, educational and refreshing.
You should be a professor. I learn something new each time.
Thanks for keeping me on the list.
Frog legs! Yum!
Tastes like chicken.
LOL
Hi Kirby, not sure how I got on your blog, but have enjoyed it. I have a friend who does a good one-man show as Dali. Have forwarded this to him. I think he will get a kick out of the video.
Just terrific history, thanks so much, Barbara
Imagination is the artist paintbrush!
That video is hilarious! I had no idea that surrealist art was that well known in Bob Hope’s time. The frogs were the best!
What a treat, Kirby. You gave me the gist of surrealist art, and now I’m interested to apply what you suggested. Thanks!! You made it seem not so hard. The video was a hoot! Dali and Margritte seem like they have a philosopher/physicist inside their artful hearts and minds.
Salvador Dali is my favorite Surrealist. Thank you for the refreshing reminder of what a “Hope-full” Buffet w/ Dali might have entailed. All is well. Tu amigo, d
At last, some alone time to read your Blog and view the videos. How wonderful!!! Like eating a favorite desert!!! Thank you for sharing such jewels of visual pleasure.