By Andrea Martone
A Surreal Experience Awaits
Stepping into the latest Salvador Dali exhibition in St. Petersburg feels like crossing the threshold into a dreamscape where reality bends, time distorts, and the mind is left to wander through the boundless imagination of one of the most iconic surrealists of all time. The exhibition, meticulously curated, invites visitors to delve deep into the mind of Salvador Dali, exploring his genius through a stunning array of works, and culminating in an immersive experience, Dali Alive 360.
From the moment you enter, you are engulfed in a world where clocks melt, elephants walk on stilt-like legs, and the human form takes on impossibly fluid shapes. The exhibition doesn’t merely showcase Dali’s work – it breathes life into it, allowing you to witness the surreal through his eyes. It is a journey not just through his art but also through his life, influences, and the philosophical underpinnings of his work. The exhibition is a comprehensive retrospective that covers the breadth of Dali’s career, from his early influences in Impressionism and Cubism to his later, more widely recognized surrealist works. Each room is a chapter in the story of Dali’s life, showcasing his evolution as an artist and thinker.
Dali Alive 360: A Multi-Sensory Immersion
The centerpiece of the exhibition is undoubtedly Dali Alive 360, an immersive experience that redefines how we engage with art. This installation envelops visitors in a 360-degree projection of Dali’s works, accompanied by a dynamic soundscape that pulsates in time with the shifting visuals. As you step into the dome-shaped room, you are surrounded by Dali’s world in every direction. The walls come alive with his paintings, which are not merely displayed but animated in a way that makes them seem to breathe and move. Clocks melt before your eyes, landscapes morph and twist, and figures emerge from the shadows, all while a surreal soundtrack plays in the background.
The beauty of Dali Alive 360 lies in its ability to make you feel as though you are stepping into the paintings themselves. You are no longer a passive observer but an active participant in Dali’s world. As you stand in the center of the dome, with Dali’s world swirling around you, it’s impossible not to feel a profound connection to his work.
The experience is deeply personal, as though you are sharing in Dali’s dreams and visions. It’s a rare opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a genius, and it leaves a lasting impression long after you leave the exhibition.
A Lasting Impression
The latest Dali exhibition is more than just a display of art; it is an emotional and intellectual journey. As you walk through the galleries, you are not just viewing paintings – you are entering Dali’s mind, exploring his thoughts, fears, and dreams. The exhibition does an exceptional job of conveying the emotional depth of Dali’s work, from the playful and whimsical to the dark and unsettling.
The exhibition also leaves you with a deeper appreciation for Dali’s contributions to art and culture. His ability to challenge conventions, push boundaries, and explore the unknown is a testament to his genius. The exhibition serves as a reminder of the power of art to inspire, provoke, and transform.
In an exclusive Q & A, Paradise News interviewed The Dali Museum Director, Dr. Hank Hine. Dr. Hine earned his undergraduate degree at Stanford University and his Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Brown University. He has extensive experience with contemporary artists and writers and the intersection of media in the current cultural milieu.
1) How do you balance preserving Dali’s legacy with acquiring new artworks or curating special exhibitions?
We find a balance in our resources – intellectual and financial – to pursue both. Only in this way can we preserve the Museum’s status as the preeminent collection of Dalí globally and a place to encounter new ideas.
2) What do you consider to be the most exciting project on the horizon for the Dali Museum?
Our expansion with new construction excites us. The new space will create marvelous opportunities for orienting our visitors to all that the Museum will provide and the excitement and inspiration ahead.
3) What do you believe is the most unique or intriguing piece in the current Dali Museum collection?
Dalí’s Lobster Telephone. For one thing it is a beautiful object that bristles with the idea of surrealism – putting unlike things together to make a new meaning. And also it is a piece of 1930s technology that speaks of that era while our adaptation of it, Ask Dalí – trained by artificial intelligence on every word that Dalí wrote – speaks of this moment and the infinite knowledge technology makes available.
4) How does the museum stay relevant and engage with contemporary audiences while showcasing surrealist art from the past?
Everything we aspire to do at The Dalí is inspired by Salvador Dalí himself. He took risks and proved how rich the world can be when one dares to embrace boundless creativity. We recognize that advancements and accessibility of technology, coupled with the ways visitors want to consume art, has evolved, which pushes us to continually explore new ways to share Dalí’s inspirational work and life. For years, The Dalí has used digital and interactive technologies to heighten visitor engagement and understanding of Dalí’s work to engage contemporary audiences. For example, our Augmented Reality experience on our free app allows visitors – onsite or virtually – to uncover the meaning behind Dalí’s masterworks.
5) What has been the most rewarding project you’ve personally worked on at the Dali Museum?
Organizing the international conference on Salvador Dalí on his 100th anniversary changed the way the world looked at Dalí. This is a matter of great pride.