The dawning of the 20th century gave rise to a dramatic intellectual shift in which an emphasis on the external world receded and the frontier of the subconscious mind gained focus. A major crack appeared in the edifice of rigid thinking, as a torrent of new ideas emanated from sources such as Sigmund Freud. Psychoanalysis rapidly became the tool with which one could examine symbols from dreams, sexual proclivities and the hidden workings of the mind. In the artistic realm, it took the Surrealists to articulate it in such a way that a potent visual vocabulary emerged.
Dalí was perhaps the most enigmatic of the Surrealists, cloaking himself in the guise of an eccentric magician who used the alchemy of oil paints and canvas to conjure up his hand-painted dream objects. Dalí was also a superb engraver, creating startling images that combined sensuality and the macabre in playful visions of distorted realities. It is in this element of his oeuvre that we have chosen to explore in our special exhibition: Salvador Dalí: The Argillet Era.
Pierre Argillet was a publisher and photographer of great renown. As Dalí’s friend and collaborator, he worked closely with the artist for more than fifty years. The art featured in this exhibition is from the personal collection of Argillet. The impeccable provenance and quality of these works offer a superb opportunity for Dalí collectors.
Please join us for this incisive look into the mind and surreal expression of one of the 20th century’s most captivating artists. Windsor Fine Art is proud to present, Salvador Dalí: The Argillet Era.
