Writers of Surrealism: Salvador Dalí

Renowned primarily as a painter, Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) also left an indelible mark as a writer, though his literary output often remains overshadowed by his visual art. Through his writings, Dalí showcased a unique blend of creativity, imagination, and eccentricity that mirrored his artistic endeavors. 

This special exhibition explores Dalí’s literary works across many genres, including novels, essays, poetry, and autobiographical writings. Mirroring the themes prevalent in his artwork through its various periods, his writing style is characterized by unconventional and often self-consciously unreliable narratives, crisscrossing stylistic categories from intensely theoretical advancements to Surrealist thought to recipes for in the tradition of French cuisine.  In works such as “The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí” (1942) and “Diary of a Genius” (1964), he alternately offered readers intimate glimpses into his inner thoughts, eccentricities, and artistic philosophies and blocked access through his surreal fabulations. These autobiographical works exude Dalí’s fascination with Freudian psychoanalysis, his obsession with self-image, and sense of theatricality that reflects his larger-than-life persona and flamboyant demeanor. 

Exploring Salvador Dalí’s contributions to literature, this display reflects his profound creativity, avant-garde spirit, and willingness to challenge conventional artistic norms. Through his writings, Dalí offered readers a glimpse into his multivalent universe, inviting them to explore the depths of his imagination and the complexities of his psyche.

This is a special presentation running from September 7th, 2024 – January 5, 2025.

Location: Raymond James Community Room at the Dalí Museum

The Raymond James Community Room is on the ground floor of the Museum. Access to the Museum’s ground floor is free and open to the public. The Community Room occasionally closes for private events, in which case the special presentation will not be accessible.