Uploads from Simon Downham, tagged salvadordalí

Venus de Milo with Drawers by Salvador Dali

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:39:29 -0700

What do you keep in the drawers of your psyche? And what would Venus keep in hers?

Dali's many “drawer” paintings and sculptures were homages to Sigmund Freud. The artist apparently said,
The only difference between the immortal Greece and contemporary times is Sigmund Freud, who discovered that the human body, purely platonic at the Greek epoch, nowadays is full of secret drawers that only psychoanalysis is capable to open".

It is worth noting that Dali painted himself with drawers (as Jeananne observed, on the ceiling mural "Palace of the Wind" in the Theatre-Museum at Figueres, posted earlier).

Venus de Milo with Drawers by Salvador Dali

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:39:25 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

What do you keep in the drawers of your psyche? And what would Venus keep in hers?

Dali's many “drawer” paintings and sculptures were homages to Sigmund Freud. The artist apparently said,
The only difference between the immortal Greece and contemporary times is Sigmund Freud, who discovered that the human body, purely platonic at the Greek epoch, nowadays is full of secret drawers that only psychoanalysis is capable to open".

It is worth noting that Dali painted himself with drawers (as Jeananne observed, on the ceiling mural "Palace of the Wind" in the Theater-Museum at Figueres, posted earlier).

Homage to Newton by Salvador Dali

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 13:16:12 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Note the open chest and open head!

Dali sculpted eight originals. This one is located in the Dali Theatre-Museum at Figueres in Spain. Another, stands on United Overseas Bank Plaza in Singapore and that one has the addition of a heart suspended in the open torso.

Some have suggested that the open chest and open head, represent open heartedness and an open mind. (It may not be so simple as that though.)

Here is another view point: Dali honours and commends Newton for his discovery of the law of gravity, symbolised by the famed falling apple, represented here by a sphere of metal attached to a line. In this form, the apple loses both its impermanence and its capacity for regeneration. Dali implies that the living being, Sir Isaac Newton, has become a mere name in science, completely stripped of his personality and individuality. To represent this transformation, Dali has pierced the figure with two large holes: one which portrays the absence of Newton's vital organs, while the other clearly displays the lack of mind. What remains is only symbolic representation.

Those who study Salvador Dali's art seriously are familiar with the concept of "Dalinian Continuity," where elements from one picture carry over to others, creating a thread or link among them. One link to "Homage to Newton" is the painting, "Phosphene of Laporte " (1932) which contains a miniature figure of the newton sculpture in the picture.

Visual Pun

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:49:56 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

The broken window, of the cadillac in the courtyard. The "Rainy Cadillac" is part of an elaborate, visual pun, known as "Car-Naval".

"The Ascension of St. Cecilia" by Salvador Dali 1955

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:47:46 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

A commentataor's thoughts...

"The "Ascension of St. Cecilia," finished in 1955, depicts a female figure amid a shower of fragmented rhinoceros horns. Again, Dalí used very few colors for the majority of this canvas, with the rhinoceros horns painted a dark gray on a lighter background color. Observed from afar, the fragmented horns seem to dominate the composition, making the female figure almost indiscernible. However, upon approaching the work, the brightly robed figure of St. Cecilia seems to emerge almost magically.

Upon inspection, the image of St. Cecilia appears transparent as she raises her face to the sky and seems to disintegrate into the various rhinoceros horn particles. It is understood that Dalí was influenced by Italian Renaissance painter Raphael in composing his own image of Cecilia. Viewers can appreciate Dalí's astounding control over the medium. Many of Dalí's works offer crisp, clean images that hardly look as though created with paint."

Palace of the Wind (Salvador Dali)

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:44:51 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

This art work is located at the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Spain. It is part of the central, ceiling panel of the "Palace of the Wind". This was painted by Salvador Dali between 1972 and 1973 (oil on canvas - secured to the ceiling). It depicts his life with Gala Dali (his wife).

Central canvas: 255 x 840 cm. Side canvases: 8.4 x 11 m. at the base and 1.70 m. in height. Joining canvases: 5.75 and 2.3 m. at the base and 1.3 m. in height.

Dali was a modest fellow ......aside from hundreds of paintings and sculptures, Dali also completed, several movies and an animated film, invented logos, made a number of TV commercials, produced a music album, wrote screen plays and ballets (as well as designing a ballet set), authored books (including "Diary of a Genius") and wrote one novel.

Camera Nikon D700
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 24 mm
ISO Speed 2500
Exposure Bias 0 EV
No Flash - available light only

Off the Wall and on the Ceiling (Salvador Dali)

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:44:37 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Salvador Dali (Self Portrait) On The Ceiling - Palace of the Wind

This art work is located at the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Spain. It is part of the central, ceiling panel of the "Palace of the Wind". This was painted by Salvador Dali between 1972 and 1973 (oil on canvas - secured to the ceiling).It depicts his life with Gala Dali (his wife).

Camera Nikon D700
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 3200
Exposure Bias 0 EV
No Flash - available light only

On The Ceiling - Palace of the Wind (Salvador Dali)

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:44:23 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

This art work is located at the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Spain. It is the central ceiling panel of the "Palace of the Wind". This was painted by Salvador Dali between 1972 and 1973 (oil on canvas - secured to the ceiling). It depicts his life with Gala Dali (his wife).

Central canvas: 255 x 840 cm. Side canvases: 8.4 x 11 m. at the base and 1.70 m. in height. Joining canvases: 5.75 and 2.3 m. at the base and 1.3 m. in height.

Dali was a modest fellow ......aside from hundreds of paintings and sculptures, Dali also completed, several movies and an animated film, invented logos, made a number of TV commercials, produced a music album, wrote screen plays and ballets (as well as designing a ballet set), authored books (including "Diary of a Genius") and wrote one novel.

Camera Nikon D700
Exposure 0.1 sec (1/10)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 34 mm
ISO Speed 3200
Exposure Bias 0 EV
No Flash - available light only

The Warrior by Slavador Dali

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:44:08 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Artist: Salvador Dali
Completion Date: 1982
Style: Surrealism
Genre: portrait
Technique: oil
Material: canvas
Dimensions: 99.8 x 100 cm
Gallery: Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation, Figueras, Spain

Camera Nikon D700
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 32 mm
ISO Speed 2000
Exposure Bias 0 EV
No Flash - available light only

Surreal Photography

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:49:58 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Shooting a photo through the broken window, of the cadillac in the courtyard. The "Rainy Cadillac" is part of an elaborate, visual pun, "Car-Naval" by Salvador Dali.

Memorial Boat, Dripping with Blue Tears

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:49:46 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Memorial for Gala Dali by Salvador Dali. The boat is part of an assemly of articles that form a visual pun

Car-Naval

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:49:55 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Part of the visual pun constructed by Salvador Dali. It is located at the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Spain. Here we can see the famous "Rainy Cadillac" with the huge bronze, nude figure of Queen Esther (by Ernst Fuchs) standing proudly on the bonnet. Other aspects of the pun include, the memorial boat (just out of shot to the left).

Salvador Dali Memorial Boat

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:49:54 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Memorial for Gala Dali by Salvador Dali. The boat (dripping with blue tears) is part of an assembly of articles that form a visual pun

The Hallucinogenic Toreador by Salvador Dali (1968-1970)

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:11:58 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Replications of the Venus de Milo appear 28 times in this painting.
There is an optical illusion - a toreador (man's face is just about discernable).
Among other things, it symbolises his wifes disapproval of the Spanish tradition of bull fighting.
(View larger to see notes on the image)
Just visible through the window is the boat that is a memorial to Gala after her death, It is part of a large visual pun, that will appear in later images.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hallucinogenic_Toreador

Dali was a contraversial character who was known for his egotism and immoral behaviour, as well as his eccentric charm. Some of his artistic works reflect his questionable attitudes and are offensive to many. These images are ones that I personally, choose not to admire or reproduce. However, I do appreciate many of his art works and how they contribute to the richness of our human experience.

The Harmony of Spheres by Salvador Dali 1978

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:15:38 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Artist: Salvador Dali
Completion Date: 1978
Style: Surrealism
Genre: landscape
Technique: oil
Material: canvas
Dimensions: 100 x 100 cm
Gallery: Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation, Figueres, Spain

The Swallow’s Tail by Salvador Dali 1983

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:52:31 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Salvador Dali's last painting before his death in 1989
This is the original, with my reflection in the glass frame.

The painting was based upon René Thom’s "catastrophe theory" that apparently holds great significance within mathematical theory; something to do with the point at which behaviour abruptly changes beyond the point of no return.

To me, the painting is symbolic "Dalinism", it reminds me of a wine glass, his hair style and moustache!

"The Swallow’s Tail"
Oil on canvas
28″ x 36″
Dalí Theatre and Museum, Figueres, Spain.

jungcurrents.com/the-last-painting-of-salvidor-dali/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Swallow%27s_Tail

“There is only one difference between a madman and me. I am not mad.” ― Salvador Dalí

Camera Nikon D700
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 38 mm
ISO Speed 1600
Exposure Bias 0 EV
No Flash - Handheld in available light (non-flash photography was permitted)

Close up: The Swallow’s Tail by Salvador Dali 1983

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:52:26 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

The original with my reflection on the right side of the glass frame.

"The Swallow’s Tail"
Oil on canvas
28″ x 36″
Dalí Theatre and Museum, Figueres, Spain.

jungcurrents.com/the-last-painting-of-salvidor-dali/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Swallow%27s_Tail

“I am not strange. I am just not normal.”
― Salvador Dalí

Camera Nikon D700
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 58 mm
ISO Speed 2200
Exposure Bias 0 EV
No Flash - Hand held in available light (non-flash photography was permitted)

The Swallow’s Tail by Salvador Dali 1983

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:52:30 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Salvador Dali's last painting before his death in 1989

"The Swallow’s Tail"
Oil on canvas
28″ x 36″
Dalí Theatre and Museum, Figueres, Spain.

jungcurrents.com/the-last-painting-of-salvidor-dali/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Swallow%27s_Tail

“People love mystery, and that is why they love my paintings.”
― Salvador Dalí

Camera Nikon D700
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 35 mm
ISO Speed 2200
Exposure Bias 0 EV
No Flash - Hand held in available light (non-flash photography was permitted)

Through The Surreal Window - Memorial Boat to Gala

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:14:58 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Memorial boat to Gala
Salvador Dali, the father of surrealism, was both, emotionally disturbed and an artistic genius. The Dali Theatre-Museum is located at his home town of Figueres in Spain. Dalí personally conceptualized, designed, decorated, and painted it. This is the showcase his life's work. Looking through the window into the central courtyard, we witness the Memorial Boat, dedicated to his wife, Gala, who kept him from going overboard. When she died, so did he, so to speak. Here the boat has been lifted from the water andis dripping with his blue tears.

A Room with a Surreal View

nobody@flickr.com (Simon Downham) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:14:59 -0700

Simon Downham posted a photo:

Salvador Dali, the father of surrealism, was emotionally disturbed and an artistic genius. The Dali Theatre-Museum is located in his home town, Figueres, Spain. Dalí personally conceptualized, designed, decorated, and painted it. Here we look out of a window into the courtyard in the company of faceless mannequins. They witness the blue tears that drip from the boat that Dali and his wife, Gala, used to enjoy messing about in. This is the "Memorial Boat".