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Salvador Dali and Surrealism Lecture

Thursday, Sept 10, 6-7p | Lecturer: Dave Alvarez

Salvador Dali—The P.T. Barnum of Art

Salvador Dali

“Surrealism is destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision.” -Salvador Dali

Surrealism began in Paris with a small group of writers and artists who sought to channel the unconscious as a means to unlock the power of the imagination. Powerfully influenced by Sigmund Freud, they believed the conscious mind repressed the power of the imagination, weighing it down with social taboos. EnterSalvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, Marquis of Dalí de Púbol—prominent figure in the history of 20th century art. Opinions of him as an artist and as a man are inevitably skewed by his odd behavior and lifestyle, which were as unusual as his art. While some see him as a harmless but eccentric showman or even a madman, others view him as a profound creative artist. Dali spent much of his time promoting himself and shocking the world. He relished courting the masses and creating a sensation, not to mention controversy. Join Dave Alvarez as he discusses this fascinating man—his life, his work, and his impact on the art world. As author George Orwell once said, “I am repelled by Dali’s work, but refuse to condemn it … as art can be both right and wrong.”

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