Spanish Artists

This Spanish artist, was also one of the Spanish greats. Born Salvador Felipe Jacinto Dalí in 1904 in Figueres, and son of a prestigious notary, Dalí is considered by many as a true artistic genius. Not only a painter but also a draughts man, printmaker, designer, sculptor, film-maker, and writer, Dalí passed through various different phases (Cubism, Futurism and Metaphysical movements) before becoming a part of the Surrealists in 1929.

He took his first art lesson at age 10 with a well known painter Ramon Pichot. Dalí later studied art at the Royal Academy of Art in Madrid. Expelled twice from this establishment, he never sat for the final exams, believing himself to be far more qualified than those examining him.

Travelling to Paris in 1928, he met fellow countrymen, Picasso and Miró. At this point Dalí began to delve into Surrealist art. Featuring the unconscious, the surrealist theory is based on images conjured up in dreams. In Dalí's case, soft or melting watches were an image that reappeared frequently throughout his work, as well as burning giraffes.

He was later expelled from the official surrealist ranks due to his support of General Franco, and moved to the US where he lived until 1955. A popular member of American high society, many big names commissioned him to do their portraits, and aside from painting he also made a few films with Alfred Hitchcock and designed jewellery and clothing for Coco Chanel. He then returned to Spain in 1955, where became a recluse for the remainder of his life.

Dalí's trademark is his eccentricity. Along with other Spanish artists of his time, Dalí was one of the country's most brilliant artists who contributed a great deal to modern art. He was one of the most respected artist of the Surrealist movement. Dalí passed away in 1989 at the age of 85 in the very same town he was born in.