Like many, I’ve always been intrigued by Salvador Dalí’s work. Most people usually don’t think much past his iconic work The Persistence of Memory. His imagination was vast, sweeping all corners of the human psyche and beyond.
So, what an opportunity this past Friday when I visited the Museum of Modern Art and see the Dalí exhibit. For the first time in my life I was able to view his painting and film work in person. It was an enthralling and exiting evening, packed with hundreds of people. [Apparently, Friday night is "free museum night" in NYC. Who knew?]
I began by watching Un Chien Andalou, a 1928 short film by Dali and Spanish director Luis Buñuel. The film depicts surreal moments of death, and in one particularly wince worthy moment, actress Simone Mareuil’s eye lid is held open and a straight razor blade is slit across the pupil. As the eye split down the center, an exhibition hall of probably 50 people winced and groaned audibly, myself included.
For those brave enough to brave the film in the comfort of their own home can do so by downloading it at the Internet Archive, as the film is public domain.
Given the sheer number of people at the exhibit, there were many paintings I wasn’t able to view in prolonged detailed, but I did get to look at the vivid production sketches for Destino. The animated film Destino has a unique production history as it began as a collaboration with Walt Disney in 1945. It was not until 2003 that the project would see completion. It’s a great animated short, that was nominated for an Academy Award, and I’d love to see it again.
There was so much more there, and I’d like to go back to the exhibit when there are not so many people. But alas, it will have to wait until after the Olympics. You can also check out the interactive exhibit or make your way out to the exhibit before it ends on September 15th.
-M
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