Between dream and reality, a foray into the universe of the emblematic Salvador Dalí
at ARCUB - Hanul Gabroveni (Gabroveni Inn), in the heart of Bucharest through September 1, 2024

"Salvador Dalí's Universe" special exhibition reveals lesser-known aspects of the famous Catalan artist's art through surrealist art objects that question the "classical" coordinates of reality.     "Evidence" of the fabulous imagination of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, 170 Salvador Dalí artworks can be admired at ARCUB (Bucharest Cultural Centre):   gold objects and coloured glass paste sculptures - the result of the artist's collaboration with the Daum Cristallerie, etchings and engravings, lithographs and surrealist furniture.

Dali_Bucharest
Photo © Gicu Boboc
"Salvador Dalí's Universe"

Visited by over 70,000 people so far, the exhibition "Salvador Dalí's Universe" offers the viewer an intriguing journey into a dystopian reality, beyond the usual conventions, where strange images from the deepest layers of the subconscious come to life in a surreal game. The exhibition highlights Dalí's experiments with various artistic media, crossing fields such as painting, sculpture, literature, cinema, decorative art and advertising.

The tumultuous life of the iconic Salvador Dalí is presented in a captivating manner, offering the audience a compelling insight into the creation of a great artist, renowned for his eccentricity, his desire to provoke and his extraordinary talent.

Dali_Bucharest
Photo © Adda Mihăescu
Sculptures such as   the Unicorn,   Woman with the Head of Roses,   Space Venus,   Woman of Time,   Giraffe Venus   and Venus with Drawers are a true celebration of femininity and sensuality, representing an "ode" to these specific female qualities. They reveal a complex symbolism, reflecting the deep relationship between Salvador Dalí and Gala – his wife, his agent and the driving force behind the Dalinian creative process. Through these works, the visitor is introduced to intimate aspects of the relationship the two of them, highlighting how Gala became his source of inspiration.

The exhibition at ARCUB does not lack the famous soft, melted watches that established Dalí in the collective imaginary. Dance of Time III, an imposing bronze sculpture, and Dance of Time II, a gold jeweled-sculpture inlaid with diamonds and rubies, are the result of Dalinian experiments in exploring other forms of artistic expression. These works of art are another manifestation of Freudian theories' influence on Dalí's artistic creation, who argued that "matter cannot be spiritualized unless you pour it into gold".

Known for his "avidity", for the passion with which he engaged in various commercial projects, Salvador Dalí appropriated the anagram "Avida dollars", attributed to him by André Breton, the founder and theorist of the Surrealist movement.

At ARCUB - Gabroveni Inn, the audience can contemplate Dalí's interpretation of this title, which he not only accepted, but decided to use it for personal promotion, materialized in the Avida Dollars pendants, gold jewelry-objects.

Controversial and admired, although excluded from the surrealist group because of his profascist ideas, Salvador Dalí remains one of the most representative artists of this movement. Dalí extended his imagery and symbolism into a variety of creative fields: he did not limit himself to painting and sculpture, but explored the world of fashion design with the same passion. His complex relationship with fashion was deeply influenced by his aesthetic and his unique view of the world. Among his notable collaborations are those with designers Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel and model Amanda Lear.

The section dedicated to illustrated books in the exhibition at ARCUB highlights the diversity of printing techniques used by Dalí, while highlighting his surrealist interpretation of the Western canon. From religious and mythological themes, to the works of William Shakespeare, fantasies of the future and even his unique take on the controversial works of the Marquis de Sade, the works on display at ARCUB - Gabroveni Inn introduce visitors to a distortion of forms, offering a disturbing and profound vision of the human condition.

The VR experience available within the exhibition completely transforms the way viewers connect with the artist's creations, carrying them into a surreal "virtual" universe where they can experience the distorted Dalinian imagery in a new dimension. The viewing experience can also be complemented by an audio guide, which provides comprehensive information about the artworks on display and how they relate to the famous artist's life.

A must-see exhibition for seasoned art lovers - and a unique introduction into the work of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century - "Salvador Dalí's Universe" is a great addition to the art scene of Romania’s capital city.

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Dali Exhibition fast facts:



Schedule: now until September 1, 2024
Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.,   every day
Where: Hanul Gabroveni,
Old Town Bucharest (Centrul Vechi)
Tickets: ARCUB ticket office,
address:   Strada Gabroveni 50 -- 53,
or
on-line:     UniversulDali.ro     or     Entertix.ro
An event made possible by Bucharest City Hall,
organized by ARCUB - Bucharest Cultural Centre,
in partnership with Hadran Events.
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Dali_Bucharest
Photo © Gicu Boboc