Delhi art gallerist Payal Jain is thrilled about what she calls a landmark cultural event for the city—a first-of-its-kind travelling exhibition, Dalí Comes to India, presented by the Bruno Art Group at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre. Featuring the works of Salvador Dalí, the show is a momentous occasion for Indian art enthusiasts.
Payal says, “Dalí is one of the most important surreal artists of the 20th century. He remains relevant today for his unique style and the dreamlike quality of his works. He is the father of surrealism, a movement that artists continue to incorporate into their works, which is why this is such a landmark exhibition for the city.”
A glimpse into Dalí’s surreal world
Curated by Christine Argillet, daughter of Pierre Argillet, the show brings together Dalí’s rare etchings, watercolours, and tapestries from the prestigious Pierre Argillet Collection.
This exhibition offers Indian audiences a unique opportunity to experience Dalí’s world through a celebrated collection that reflects his unparalleled creativity and collaboration with his long-time publisher and friend, Pierre Argillet. Iconic works such as etchings from Mythologie and Les Chants de Maldoror are part of the exhibition, exemplifying Dalí’s exploration of dreams, subconscious fears, and fantastical imagery.
Christine has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting her father’s legacy, contributing to various exhibitions and publications centred around Dalí’s oeuvre. She explains, “Dalí, much like Picasso and other great artists, drew inspiration from a variety of artistic traditions. He absorbed influences from the Italian Renaissance, the mysticism of Hieronymus Bosch, the classicism of Meissonier, the symbolism of Gustave Moreau, and the rebellious spirit of Dada. He quickly embraced surrealism, influenced by figures like Giorgio de Chirico, Max Ernst, and Miró. His exceptional skill in drawing and painting, coupled with his ability to express dreams and layer complex ideas within his work, made him a remarkable and approachable artist. His unique sense of humour and unconventional style continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.”
Dalí’s relevance in a modern world
In today’s rapidly evolving and often chaotic world, Dalí’s art remains profoundly relevant. His surreal landscapes and psychological themes serve as mirrors to contemporary issues, reflecting complex notions of identity, mental health, and the intricacies of human emotion.
Works such as The Elephants (1948) invite viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between fragility and strength, resonating deeply with modern struggles of vulnerability and resilience. Similarly, The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory (1954) offers a prescient exploration of the dissolution of time and reality, eerily echoing today’s digital age, where the boundaries between the virtual and the real increasingly blur.
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Motti Abramovitz, owner and CEO of Bruno Art Group, which is hosting the show (set to move to their gallery in Greater Kailash Part 2 after the opening weeks at the Visual Arts Gallery), expresses his excitement: “As an international group of galleries that has hosted successful exhibitions of Dalí’s work worldwide, Bruno Art Group is honoured to bring Dalí to India for the first time since the artist’s visit to the country in 1967. Keeping in mind Dalí’s vision of hyper-reality, we have invited a painter from New York, Yigal Ozeri, who has created special pieces for this exhibition. Also participating is a sculptor from Switzerland, Dr Gindi, who is closely associated with Dalí’s creative journey and surrealism. Their participation will greatly enrich the experience for visitors and complement Dalí’s works.”
The lasting legacy of Salvador Dalí
Dalí (1904-1989) remains one of the most iconic figures in art history, renowned for his eccentric personality and revolutionary approach to surrealism. A native of Catalonia, Spain, Dalí’s work is instantly recognisable for its dreamlike qualities, bizarre yet captivating imagery, and technical precision. His most famous painting, The Persistence of Memory, with its melting clocks, has become a universal symbol of the fluidity of time and the subconscious mind.
Beyond painting, Dalí was a multidisciplinary artist whose influence extended to film, sculpture, fashion, and literature. Collaborating with greats like Luis Buñuel and Alfred Hitchcock, Dalí blurred the lines between different art forms, making him a true pioneer of modern art. His method, known as the “paranoiac-critical method,” allowed him to tap into the irrational and fantastical, producing works that continue to challenge and inspire audiences worldwide.
Alka Pande, art historian and curator, sums up the relevance of this exhibition, stating, “The Indian collector is no longer limiting themselves to acquiring only works of Indian masters but is opening up to collecting works of international masters as well. It is an age of international cosmopolitanism. Dalí is a master of one of the most important art movements in the world—surrealism—which has inspired artists across the globe, including in India. Indian collectors and artists are very familiar with Dalí’s work, and bringing his art to India will be well appreciated.”
When & Where: February 7-13; Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Continued from: February 15-March 16; Massarrat by Bruno Art Group, Savitri Cinema Complex, GK-2, New Delhi
Timings: 12 PM-6 PM
