The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands presents “Dalí: Mind of a Genius on view now through 30 October, 2011. The Exhibition presents over 250 Savador Dali artworks, making this the first time ever that such a large number of his masterpieces are shown within a single venue in Singapore.
Savador Dali, Spellbound, Stratton Foundation
Salvador Dalí, the most iconic figure of the surrealist movement, explored a wide range of artistic expressions ranging from paintings, sculptures, literature, cinema to decorative art, fashion, furniture, jewelry and last but not least advertising. Visitors to the exhibition will be immersed in three themed areas – Femininity and Sensuality, Religion and Mythology, Dreams and Fantasy – that will transfer them to a place where the conscious and subconscious mind become intertwined, with time becoming a soft, fluid medium.
“Femininity and Sensuality” features Dalí artworks depicting the female form and its sensuality. Important pieces include the sculpture of Women Aflame that unites two of Dalí’s obsessions: A female form with drawers set aflame. Other highlights include Space Venus and Anthropomorphic Cabinet.
“Religion and Mythology” reflects Dalí’s tempestuous and ambiguous relationship with the Church. Artworks found in this gallery include renowned sculptures such as the Snail and the Angel, Adam and Eve, and Vision of the Angel.
“Dreams and Fantasy” embodies Dalí’s enduring fascination with the subconscious mind as the true canvas for expression of personality. This comes into vivid focus through sculptural works such as Persistence of Memory and Dance of Time I. Other works that refer to a life lived through dreams and distorted visions of reality include the alluring Alice in Wonderland and Spellbound, a huge 11 meter by 5 meter visually spectacular 1945 painting borne from Dalí’s collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock.
In order to highlight the creativeness of Dalí across different mediums, the exhibition will also highlight bronze sculptures, rare graphics, furniture and gold jewelry. A dedicated space will showcase the collaboration between Dalí and Crystal Daum, the crystal maker. The use of glass offered Dalí the perfect medium for the expression of metamorphoses which communicated his surrealistic perception of reality. Pieces under this realm include the Venus with Drawers. An additional gallery will showcase gold objects designed by Dalí which include the Dalí tortoise charm and Dalí Flower. A dedicated space will showcase Dalí’s surrealistic transformations in furniture, displaying pieces such as the Mae West Lips Sofa, Vis-à-vis Sofa and Bracelli Lamp.
Mr. Tom Zaller, Director, ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands, said, “Dalí: Mind of a Genius showcases the best works of Salvador Dalí under one roof. Visitors to the exhibition will be transported into the eccentric mind of Dalí, and discover his version of reality and his interpretation of art. The ArtScience Museum explores Dalí’s inspiration and creative processes, and is the perfect venue for an exhibition showcasing the art of such a genius and his infinite innovations. Visitors will leave the exhibition spellbound and captivated, viewing the world from a whole new perspective.”
Mr. Benjamin Levi, President of the Stratton Foundation and curator of the exhibition, said, “Being an avid collector of Dalí’s work, I am very proud to be able to present Dalí’s genius to the world. By uniting the best of Dalí works, visitors to the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands will have a better appreciation of the man and his life, the way I knew him personally.”
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