A recent trip to the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida caused me to contemplate my visual memories of the art collection. Which artworks did I remember accurately from my visit ten years prior and why? Which artworks had impact and made a lasting impression? Which had been forgotten or had they not been on exhibit during when I last visited?
1952-54
Oil on canvas
Having seen the large collection of Salvador Dali's artworks a decade earlier at the original location, the primary purpose of this visit was to see the new Dali Museum Building designed by architect Yann Weymouth which opened in 2011.
The "Enigma", a large free-form geodesic glass bubble breaks through a simple solid cement cube which appears to balance on a massive rock. The contrast of shapes, textures, and materials is stunning.
A helical staircase winds through the open light-filled space. Complex shadow patterns play on the curving walls creating a magical environment that must be experienced.
Of course the permanent collection galleries open with Salvador Dali's early works. The first gallery is one of the most interesting in the museum. Presented are the artist's explorations through various historical and contemporary schools of painting.
Portdogue and Mount Pani from Ayuntamiento
1922
Oil on burlap
Though many of these early pieces are rather derivative, one can appreciate Dali's skill in mastering many styles.
Port of Cadaques (Night)
1918-19
Oil on canvas
I remembered many of these early landscapes because the thick paint and visible brushwork is so unlike the smooth surfaces Dali is known for.
1918-19
Oil on canvas
1923
Oil on canvas
Clear are Dali's references to the landscapes of artists such as Pissaro, Renoir, and Monet.
The Lane to Port Lligat with Viw of Cap Creus
1922-23
Oil on canvas
1924
Oil on canvas
Dali's early still life paintings demonstrate academic skills but also mimic innovations of Manet, Cezanne, and Picasso.
1923-24
Oil on canvas
1926
Oil on panel
1924
Oil on cardboard
As a figurative artist, I find the relatively small number of portraits which include images of his sister and brother to be especially powerful.
1923
Oil on canvas
1963
Oil on canvas
The Ram
1928
Oil on panel
A large collection of the artist's small sized surrealist works fills several galleries.
1933-34
Oil on canvas
1940
Oil on canvas
Nature Morte Vivante
(Still Life - Fast Moving)
1956
Oil on canvas
Nature Morte Vivante was unlike the other surrealist pieces, being incredibly photorealistic as the detail of the glass bottle below shows. Deep rich color and clarity make this large piece a memorable highlight of the collection.
Nature Morte Vivante
(Still Life - Fast Moving) detail
1956
Oil on canvas
The Dali Museum houses five paintings of heroic proportion. These amazing complex pieces must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
1976
Oil on canvas with collage
To see the entire painting of Dali's nude wife looking out a window one must back up a good distance because of the grand size. When the viewer can see the full format the nude nearly disappears and the pixelated image of Abraham Lincoln becomes apparent. In a pre-digital age, the planning required to achieve this effect must have been intense.
Dali played with design and illusion in an immense masterpiece depicting the Venus de Milo from many viewpoints in The Hallucinogenic Toreador.
1969-70
Oil on canvas
In the detail below, one of my favorite passages, vibrant colored circles project visually in front of the subtle neutral organic shapes depicting a bull.
1969-70
Oil on canvas
(The Dream of Christopher Columbus)
1958-59
Oil on canvas
The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus
(The Dream of Christopher Columbus) detail
1958-59
Oil on canvas
The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus
(The Dream of Christopher Columbus) detail
1958-59
Oil on canvas
A similar palette is employed in another grand scale religious painting.
The Ecumenical Council
1960
Oil on canvas
Portraits of both Dali and his wife Gala are featured as the main characters in The Ecumenical Council. Dali seems to scrutinize museum guests as he peers out at you as you leave the gallery.
The Ecumenical Council (self portrait detail)
1960
Oil on canvas
A lovely sculpture garden occupies an intimate space between the "Enigma" and a scenic marina on the waterfront.
Christ of St. John is the focal point of the sculpture garden and is surrounded by other figurative bronzes by Salvador Dali.
Christ of St. John
Cast 2014: Conceived c.1973-74
Bronze
If you are ever in the Tampa area be sure to visit the Dali Museum which houses the second largest collection of artwork by Salvador Dali in the world.
Don't forget to check out my artwork available at my Etsy store, Facebook page, as well as my Instagram feed.
