I only recently became a fan of
Salvador Dali's art. Don't get me wrong I know he was an artistic genius. In fact, I'd cut off my left arm to be able to paint as well as he could. I'd surrender the right one as well but I need it to paint. The man could paint anything; realism, cubism, pointism, impression, surrealism....no problem. It's been said of Picasso that, 'he could take art any where he wanted to go' and I believe this was true of Dali as well. But to be brutally honest some of Picasso's subject matter sort of grosses me out while Dali, at times, completely makes me nauseous. I've always found it offensive that Dali unleashed upon the art world his personal issues with impotence and masturbation. It is my belief that matters like this should remain private.
Lucky for me and my sensitive stomach, in the late 1930's Dali was excommunicated from the Surrealist movement and his subject matter became less grotesque. So much so that it began to take on a religious theme. I've enjoyed studying his religious paintings for over two decades now but only recently have I begun to consider the emotions and thoughts it took to create such masterpieces. And I completely failed to realize that an artistic genius who could take art anywhere he wanted to go could be led by his art as well. Where were his new creations leading him? When we study his paintings between the 1930's and 50's the path becomes clear. He was headed home to the faith he had shared with his parents in childhood. Home to the Catholic Church. And for a time Dali was sincere in this quest. So much so that in 1958 he and his wife, Gala, had a second wedding and this time it was a Catholic ceremony.
A few weeks ago I rented a DVD set entitled,
'The Vatican Museums' and it completely changed my opinion of Salvador Dali. When I saw his work hanging in the Vatican, I realized Dali was just an artist -- just a human being -- like you and me who sometimes struggles with temptation. Struggles with sin. And so I chose to take a second look at Dali only this time I would apply a less judgemental perspective. The result was that this painting, 'Christ of Saint John of the Cross' which I have loved since childhood had a much more powerful impact on me. For the first time I got it...I understood Dali. He was not a 'Grotesque Genius' -- he was just a man. Sometimes good sometimes bad but always capable of receiving God's mercy.
Lucky for me and my sensitive stomach, in the late 1930's Dali was excommunicated from the Surrealist movement and his subject matter became less grotesque. So much so that it began to take on a religious theme. I've enjoyed studying his religious paintings for over two decades now but only recently have I begun to consider the emotions and thoughts it took to create such masterpieces. And I completely failed to realize that an artistic genius who could take art anywhere he wanted to go could be led by his art as well. Where were his new creations leading him? When we study his paintings between the 1930's and 50's the path becomes clear. He was headed home to the faith he had shared with his parents in childhood. Home to the Catholic Church. And for a time Dali was sincere in this quest. So much so that in 1958 he and his wife, Gala, had a second wedding and this time it was a Catholic ceremony. 
A few weeks ago I rented a DVD set entitled, 'The Vatican Museums' and it completely changed my opinion of Salvador Dali. When I saw his work hanging in the Vatican, I realized Dali was just an artist -- just a human being -- like you and me who sometimes struggles with temptation. Struggles with sin. And so I chose to take a second look at Dali only this time I would apply a less judgemental perspective. The result was that this painting, 'Christ of Saint John of the Cross' which I have loved since childhood had a much more powerful impact on me. For the first time I got it...I understood Dali. He was not a 'Grotesque Genius' -- he was just a man. Sometimes good sometimes bad but always capable of receiving God's mercy. 
5 comments:
i have difficulty appreciating Dali's art and was always a bit put off by his approach to art merchandising and money but can't deny he's one of the greatest artists.
i read his diary some years ago and find it very amusing...
sending you warm wishes from Spain
:-)
My sister is attending the Art Institute of San Fransisco. That's irrelevant but I figured it would add a little more significance when I tell you that her favorite artist is Dali. He is an amazing artist. So are you. I don't really posses any artistic ability, but I like thinking about art when I look at it. There can be so much to get when one observes from the right angle. Just out of curiosity, are you religious?
Thanks for your recent comments on my blog. I am not an artist, but admire those who are. I found this post interesting.
What an amazing painting
I have four limited edition prints by Dali. Each of which is hand signed by the artist. One of whom is Christ praying in the garden of Gesthsemane. It is one of the most singularly delicate and soft paintings of his I have seen. I have always thought he exuded a desire or wanted to express a desire for redemption. Often it just came across as a desperate and fallen world. Thank you for sharing.
Post a Comment