Salvador Dali; Surrealist Painter and Master Artist

Dali's work within the surrealist movement was considered ground breaking in his time, and like Picasso, he was celebrated, scandalized and revered. Before the 1960's hippie movement and the blurring of reality achieved through the taking of LCD, Dali tapped into the core of bent reality through the use of surrealism in his art.

Dali is also considered a master artist. He was a 20^th century artist that lived at a time to experience, use and add to the major art movements happening. For example, Dali painted during the Impressionist and Cubist Movements in art in his early period, starting in 1917. He also did abstract work showing a transition to Surrealism. Dali's symbolism is what made his work stand out, aside from his masterful technique as a painter. He used religious symbolism and science in his art during his classic period as well. In total, his art spanned a period from 1917 till 1970.

Dali's work in the surreal movement began in drawing. His painting technique was superb, and his imagery made his work distinctive. He had a broad knowledge of art; similar to Warhol who also experimented in various mediums. Dali worked in sculpture, films, and photography. He also worked with other artists in collaboration.

Dali was considered quite the eccentric, and made the papers often. His eccentric behavior added to the mystique of the artist, coupled with his trademark upward twist mustache. He sometimes lived in Manhattan, and was often spotted walking down the street arm in arm with fashionable models, wearing a cape and carrying a walking stick.

He also owned a rather large ant-eater, which he took for walks--on a leash. There is a famous photo of him emerging from a stairwell, his walking stick in one hand, the ant-eater in the other. It's important to know about Dali's eccentricities, for his behavior explains a lot in regard to his artistic vision, and the result.

There are two museums dedicated to Dali. One is in his native Spain, the other in St. Petersburg, Florida. The museum in Florida houses one of the largest collections of Dali's works, including 96 oil paintings, 100 watercolors, graphic drawings, video, mixed medium pieces, collaborative efforts, and more. The museum overlooks Tampa Bay, and is a visual treat into Dali's imagination and world of art. Admission to the museum is $21, $19 for seniors, $15 for ages 13-18, and $7 for ages 6-12. The Dali Museum is located at: One Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL USA 33701.

References:

http://www.thedali.org