Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) is indisputably one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. To this day, the Spaniard inspires with his surrealistic, imaginative and often enigmatic works and is revered as a genius even during his lifetime. The messmer art gallery is dedicating a large, outstandingly curated exhibition to the artist with 150 top-class works that have never been shown in this region before.

Numerous typical Dalí motifs can be seen in graceful, colorful woodcuts, photo-realistic depictions in the style of old masters or even in surrealistic nature studies, which not only show Dalí’s erudition, but above all his outstanding talent for painting and drawing. The artist did not shy away from using different materials either, creating sculptures made of bronze, brass and plexiglass, which are also part of the exhibition.

Dalí is not only an exceptional artist, the stories and legends about his person also make him special. At the age of fourteen, Dalí attracted the attention of some important art critics with his first solo exhibition. However, he left the Royal Art Academy in 1924 without an exam because he did not consider the teachers competent enough to evaluate his works. In 1929 Dalí finally found his personal style; the world of the unconscious that appears in dreams. Since then, melting clocks, crutches and burning giraffes have been the distinguishing features of his paintings and have become emblems of the Surrealists.

The exhibition offers a good insight into the extensive graphic work and the unusual sculptures and at the same time provides an insight into Dalí’s life. The diversity and high quality of the works invites visitors to discover the “magic of genius”. There is a catalog accompanying the exhibition, which can be purchased in the museum shop.