In this fantastic
interpretation of sleep, only the head of the dreamer is seen, against a
background of dream-like images. The delicate balancing of the figure indicates
that, should a single crutch fail, the dreamer will awake; this demonstrates the
fragility of the state of sleep. Dali’s meticulous attention to detail creates
an atmosphere of enhanced hyper-reality. As a member of Surrealist movement, he
promoted the idea of absurdity and the role of the unconscious in his art.
Dali also
collaborated with the film-maker Luis Bunuel on films such as Un Chien Andalou
and L’Age d’Or, which are still regarded as landmarks in the history of the
cinema. Although he frequently provoked public outrage, Dali’s reputation and
contribution to art are undeniable. Having worked in Paris and New York, Dali
return to his native Spain in 1955, settling there with his long time
companion, Gala, of whom he painted many weird and wonderful pictures.
SLEEP
size : 78,2 x 50,8 cm
Salvador Dali, 1937
