A large-scale retrospective of Spanish genius Salvador Dalí, "Dalí," is running through December 12th at the National Art Center, Tokyo in Roppongi, Tokyo. This exhibition, the largest of its kind in Japan, traces the career of Dalí, a pioneer of Surrealism who produced numerous paintings and also demonstrated his talent in a variety of fields, including film and theater. When people think of Dalí, their image immediately conjures up images of his unusual appearance, complete with pointed mustache and bulging eyes. Dalí, one of the earliest artists to adopt the concept of "self-production" in art and a frequent media presence, has garnered public attention and popularity as a figure who revolutionized the way art and artists were perceived. Through eight chapters, this exhibition explores the background behind the creation of Dalí's unique world. Beginning with "Chapter 1: Early Works," featuring landscapes of Figueres, Dalí's hometown, self-portraits, and paintings of his close friends and family, the book continues with "Chapter 2: Exploring Modernism," in which he explores his own artistic style. Following a visit to Paris, the city of art, the book moves into "Chapter 3: Surrealism." Inspired by various artists, the young Dalí emerged as a surrealist painter whose world transcends reality. Then, in "Chapter 4: Gala as Muse," he met his wife and accomplished manager, who would become his lifelong companion. This fateful encounter completed Dalí as the artist, and he found great success in "Chapter 5: Exile in the United States," where he fled the war. His diverse work, including appearances on the cover of Time magazine, film production, jewelry design, and collaborations with Walt Disney, literally expanded Dalí's world in "Chapter 6: Expansion of the Dalí World." However, the end of World War II marked another turning point for Dalí. Devastated by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he pursued his theme in "Chapter 7: Art in the Atomic Age." He began to paint works that depicted atomic fission, bombings, and bomb motifs, as well as religious views and homage to classical painting. In his final years, in "Chapter 8: Return to Port Ligat," he produced works inspired by masters such as Velázquez and Raphael. While living in his hometown of Figueres, he continued to be a globally renowned artist, holding major exhibitions in Japan, London, the Netherlands, and France. This exhibition showcases Dalí's fascinating work through approximately 250 pieces, centered around the three major Dalí collections: the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation (Figueres, Spain), the Salvador Dalí Museum (St. Petersburg, USA), and the Reina Sofía National Museum (Madrid). It also includes important works from Japan's collections. Among these exhibits, "Mae West's Room," brought in specifically for this exhibition from the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Spain, is a must-see. Be sure to visit the venue to experience Dalí's world, which expresses a multifaceted surrealism that transcends reality.


[Exhibition Information]
"Dalí Exhibition" (Tokyo Exhibition)
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Special Exhibition Gallery 1E
Address: 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates: September 14th - December 12th
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
*Until 8:00 PM every Friday
*Except October 21st and 22nd, until 10:00 PM
Admission: Adults 1,600 yen, University students 1,200 yen, High school students 800 yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
Closed: Tuesdays