Surrealism, a trend that began in the 1920s, was parented by the Dada movement that emerged in Paris during War World I.  Inspired by writing and visual arts, Surrealism was a cultural movement that incorporated schools of thought on philosophy, social theory and politics.  Salvador Dali was a eccentric surrealist who contributed artistically to the movement.

Self-Portrait with Fried Bacon Surrealism

An ode to Dali's "soul's glove", not the soul or the inner self, this self-portrait portrays his face with ants and fried bacon.  It was created during Dali's eight-year-exile in the United States  Dali left his home in Spain during the Spanish Civil War.  During this time Dali claimed that his works were painted from the inside out, and it appeared that he reversed  his "paranoid-critical method.%u201D  This painting symbolizes the artist giving himself up as food, and giving the era the most "delicious delicacies.%u201D

Geopolitical Child Watches Birth of New Human

In this work Dali creates a fiery Earth, a new human is born and is emerging from a plastic egg while a child looks on seeking the protection of its mother; the painting symbolizes the evolution of order, a fresh start and a world without flaws.  

Portrait of Picasso

Dali integrated many elements that spoke to the origins of the artist Picasso.  In this painting, the bust of Picasso is mounted on a  pedestal, symbolizing consecration.  A heavy rock sits on Picasso's head symbolizing the impact and influence of his art.  Picasso's face is depicted as a goat hoof and the headdress of the Greco-Iberian marble bust the Lady of Elche paying tribute to Picasso's birthplace.  

Dream Caused Flight of a Bee

This painting depicts Dali's wife, Gala nude and sleeping.  With long and thin legs, an elephant walks across the a watery horizon carrying an obelisk.  Near her body, two drops of water and a small pomegranate are supsended in the air.  Above a larger pomegranate, a fish emerges that holds a tiger in its mouth from which another tiger comes out.  Ahead of the second tiger, a rifle's bayonet touches the woman's right arm.  The work shows the influence of Freud's theories on the meanings of dreams and some believe is an interpretation of the Theory of Evolution.

Poetry of America Cosmic Athletes

Asking mankind to think about the dangers of conflicts within the modern world, this painting symbolizes the new human with a golden man balancing an egg on his finger.  The striking imagery again emphasizes Dali's paranoid-critical method, a subconscious association of those things that are unrelated in conscious existence.

Burning Giraffe Woman with Drawers

This painting signifies Dali's internal struggles with his country during his exile from Spain amidst the Spanish Civil War.  Open drawers line the leg of a gaunt blue female form with extended arms, believed to represent the "open drawers" of man's subconscious.  

Temptation of Saint Anthony

One of his later works, Dali claimed that he had converted to mysticism.  The Atomic era invaded his thinking and is evident in this painting.  The naked Antonius stands against a charging horse with elongated legs that defy the law of gravity.  Saint Anthony tries to refuse earthy temptations.  Symbolizing lust and greed, floating elephants approach on outsized, thin legs.

Are you a fan of Dali's or know someone who is?  Check out the Salvador Dali sculptures crafted by Parastone Mouseion.