Dalí Universe is thrilled to announce the installation of three sculptures – “Space Elephant”, “Homage to Fashion,” and “Unicorn” – conceived by Salvador Dalí, on the island of Albarella, as part of the exhibition titled “Dalí e Albarella, L’isola Surrealista”, organized to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the master of Surrealism, Salvador Dalí.
These extraordinary sculptures, alongside “Dance of Time II”, “Persistence of Memory, “Snail and the Angel”, “Woman Aflame” and “Adam and Eve” already installed in May 2024, invite visitors into the universe of Salvador Dalí.
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Inaugurated on May 11, 2024, coinciding with Dalí’s birth anniversary, the island of Albarella has transformed into a “Surrealist Island.” This transformation, organized by Beniamino Levi, President of the Dalí Universe, integrates Dalí’s bronze sculptures within the island’s natural beauty. The open-air exhibition features both monumental and museum-scale sculptures, creating an anthology of Dalí’s iconic imagery amidst the picturesque Mediterranean landscape.
Among the monumental sculptures, visitors can admire the bronze “Space Elephant”. This sculpture, inspired by Dalí’s painting “The Temptation of St. Anthony” (1946), portrays an elephant with elongated legs carrying an obelisk. This surreal creature, moving through space towards the heavens, symbolizes a flight of fantasy to a mesmerizing universe.
The museum sculpture “Homage to Fashion” reflects Dalí’s lifelong interest in haute couture. This bronze pays tribute to figures like Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Amanda Lear, who significantly influenced his art. The sculpture features a sensual Venus with a head of roses, accompanied by a dandy courtier.
The museum sculpture “Unicorn” illustrates Dalí’s use of mythical creatures to explore themes of purity, beauty, and transcendence.
These works illustrate the iconic and symbolic images of the master of Surrealism to the visitors of the exhibition “Dalí e Albarella, L’isola Surrealista”.
The exhibition also includes the iconic “Mae West Lips Sofa”, a furniture designed by Salvador Dalí in the 1930s. This sofa, resembling the lips of American actress Mae West, exemplifies Dalí’s innovative approach to design and his playful engagement with everyday objects.
Dalí’s influence extends beyond sculpture to the realm of fashion. The exhibition also showcases fashion dresses, highlighting Dalí’s collaboration with designers like Schiaparelli. These creations, blending art and fashion, underline Salvador Dalí’s multifaceted personality, his vast production, and his impact on the world of haute couture.
Set against the backdrop of the Parco del Delta del Po, Albarella Island offers a unique setting where art and nature converge. Covering 528 hectares and home to over two million trees and 150 different species, the island is a natural paradise. The exhibition “Dalí e Albarella, L’isola Surrealista” not only celebrates Dalí’s legacy but also invites visitors to explore the island’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
“Dalí e Albarella, L’isola Surrealista” is an invitation to embark on a journey through Salvador Dalí’s surreal world, where art, nature, and imagination intertwine.
This immersive experience, running until September 22, 2024, promises to delight art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the monumental and museum-scale sculptures, iconic furnishings, and fashion designs that celebrate the genius of Salvador Dalí and the 120th anniversary of his birth.