| “One day it will have to be officially admitted that what we have christened reality is an even greater illusion than the world of dreams.” – Salvador Dalí |
       | Creating illusions within artwork was a passion for the Spanish-born surrealist painter named Salvador Dali, but the question arises that what is an illusion?  The Hallucinogenic Toreador Illusions Illusions are considered to be a drift away from reality, when people see things that are not truly present. An optical illusion is one where one image can be seen in many ways, having a multitude of complete images that combine together to form an entirely different picture. The Surrealist Movement that began in the early 1920s was a major proponent of optical illusions in their artwork, as the movement believed in blending and ending the distinction between dreams and reality. They believed in using their creativity to express the subconscious mind and its ideas, creating fantastic blends of images that were logical yet illogical. Life of Salvador Dali Born as Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, 1st Marqués de Dalí de Pubol, but known commonly as Salvador Dali; this well-known surrealist painter was born in Figueres, Spain, on May 11, 1904. Having an interest in art from an early age, Dali was sent to several different academies to pursue his interests. However, being an average student with strong views about the world, he was constantly expelled from these academies. Joining the Academia de San Fernando in Madrid in the year 1922, Dali gained exposure to a number of art forms and incorporated many of them into his work. However, he was expelled a year later and after that, he dabbled in various art forms on his own. Surrealism influenced Dali’s work when he made several trips to Paris after 1936 and became acquainted with surrealist painters like Pablo Picasso, Paul Éluard, Joan Miró, and René Magritte; all of whom were a part of the movement led by André Breton. Dali’s Artwork The painter’s first exhibition was held in 1919, when his father held a display of Dali’s numerous charcoal paintings. From then onwards, the artist gained more fame and gave many public appearances, where, much to the disappointment of his critics, he brought more attention to himself, rather than his artwork. Dali’s surrealist period began in 1929, and although he was expelled from the movement in 1934, he continued to display his works in various surrealistic exhibitions. The most famous amongst his artwork is the painting named as “The Persistence of Memory” that reached completion in 1931, and depicts a landscape with melting pocket watches. The concept behind this image is believed to be the impermanence of time that melts away and disintegrates, rather than being immortal. |
The use of symbols and double imagery has helped Dali in creating some of the best illusion artwork of the surrealistic movement, and the artist saw great success during his lifetime. A museum was also built for his work within his hometown while he was still alive.
Dali’s Death and His Timeless Art
Salvador Dali left this world of the living on January 23, 1989, while residing within his home town in Figueres; but he left behind a large collection of his works of illusion and surrealism that will inspire and perplex audiences for times to come, making him live on eternally through his work.
Salvador Dali left this world of the living on January 23, 1989, while residing within his home town in Figueres; but he left behind a large collection of his works of illusion and surrealism that will inspire and perplex audiences for times to come, making him live on eternally through his work.
© opticalspy 2014
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