What I learned from…Salvador Dalí

On Monday, my family and I visited downtown Atlanta. We visited the High Museum of Art and the Georgia Aquarium, and ended the day with a hot dog from the Varsity. This blog will be about the former, because Dalí‘s artwork is currently on display at the High until the 9th of January.  

I wanted to write about something creative and thought-provoking, maybe even controversial. 

I truly enjoy the work of Dalí; actually let me back track, I enjoy his Surrealist and Neo-Classical art. His Modernistic and Avant-garde art, like the collaborations with Andy Warhol and Philippe Halsman, not so much. Granted there are areas of his life that are not exception and even elements that should not be replicated. He definitely had some moments of self-absorption and hedonism, so by no means am I saying that anyone should replicate everything about him; for that would be foolish. Yet I feel that there are some aspects that I think can teach a lesson and challenge the way we think. So here is what I feel I have learned from this phenomenal artist.

1. Art (especially in the vein of Surrealism) is a metaphor for life.

What I mean by this, is that art can visualize feelings, emotions, and passions that at times, words can scarcely begin to explain or better, fathom. Look at Dalí’s Persistence of Memory, what do you see? This being his most famous painting and probably one of the inspiring pieces to set eyes upon. Melting clocks, in a vast landscape with a piece of chambertin cheese in the mix. In veritably, a place that time stands still; memories that are permanently etched into your mind and conscious.

Or take Geopoliticus Child Watching the Birth of the New Man. Personally, I see man’s struggle at the confines of the world that had once swallowed him alive, only that he could persevere and triumph under the face of overwhelming odds. But then again, I am no art major. Take these for whatever you feel that they are, meaningful or trash.

2. Life has a universal quest for identity and purpose, i.e. “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” 

This is a fun one. Look at this guy, continuously changing his facial expressions every times the camera is pointed in his direction. Look at the mustache, which seems to have a mind of its own. Some say that this is egocentrism, others the actions of a con-man. As for me, I think he figured out his identity. Proverbs and Jesus actually state “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he”; if you think you are the scum of the earth, a pauper, a loser, etc., then you will act like one. If you think you are gifted, created with purpose, destined, unique, etc, you will act as such. Dalí was a guy who got it. He never really cared what people thought about him, even though, he appeared as though he was eccentric. He believed he was special, unique, creative, and talented, therefore, in his eyes, and those of the critics, he was exactly that. Granted, I am not sure he really found his identity in Christ, and therefore, he may have put his identity in possessions, personal gain, and other intangibles. Yet, I think he grasped and latched onto the idea of “knowing who you are.”

3. Mustaches are cool.

Sadly, I cannot grow one. I wish I could. Dalí showed us that the mustache can make the man, or better, make you look quite distinguished.   

I mean come on, awesome mustache! I know there are guys who read my blog, and are like, how can I have a ‘stache like that.

Anyway, these are my thoughts.