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EntertainmentPosted at: Feb 12 2025 5:28PM


Salvador Dali's art to debut in India

New Delhi, Feb 12 (UNI) Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali's extensive collection of more than 200 of his original works is being exhibited in New Delhi's Indian Habitat Centre, marking the maiden showcase of Dali's works on Indian soil,
The landmark event, that began on February 7, will continue till February 13 before moving to Masarrat Gallery starting from February 15 to March 16,
Dali, profoundly influenced by psychoanalysis and dreamscapes, has been acclaimed through the years for the subconscious imagery in his iconic paintings like 'melting clocks' and 'floating eyes'.
The exhibition offers art connoisseurs a rare glimpse into the intricate layers of Dali's surrealist vision.
Curated by Christine Argillet, daughter of Pierre Argillet, a renowned French collector and Dali's close collaborator, the collection highlights how India's spiritual and artistic allure influenced the surrealist master.
"Dalí was fascinated by India, especially the West's fascination with Indian mysticism in the 1960s and 1970s," Ms Argillet told the BBC.
Interestingly, some of the displayed sketches stem from Pierce Argillet's photographs taken in India, subtly woven into Dali's surrealist tapestry of elephants, temples and ethereal landscapes.
"Appreciating Dalí's art is like peeling back the layers of an onion; you can keep finding something new to marvel at," Ms Argillet says.
Dali's association with India is well documented. In 1967, he designed a series of ornate ashtrays for Air India, the national airline at that time. Rather than accepting monetary compensation, he demanded a baby elephant as payment, and the airline fulfilled his eccentric request, transporting the elephant from Bangalore (Bengaluru) to Spain, where it resided in a zoo until its passing in 2018. Such audacious demands remain a testament to Dali's flamboyant persona and unconventional artistic spirit.
Dalí was also heavily inspired by Sigmund Freud and his theories around psychoanalysis - a method of treating mental illnesses by focusing on conflicts originating in a person's psyche. Dreams take on special importance as they are believed to express a person's repressed thoughts and urges.
Consequently, Dalí's art reflects many of these ideas - they have an almost dream-like quality and through free association, the visuals take on meanings that are unique to the onlooker. There is also visceral, almost shocking imagery, much like forbidden desires lying hidden in the subconscious mind.
The exhibition has been in the works for five years, with meticulous authentication processes ensuring the originality of every piece. Akshitta Aggarwal of Bruno Art Group highlighted the magnitude of his undertaking, noting that while two of Dali's colour etchings are housed at Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, this is the first major retrospective of his work in India. UNI XC SSP
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