Mae West's Face which May be Used as a Surrealist Apartment

Salvador Dalí

Created:
Movement:
1934–35
Surrealism
key Notes:
Surrealist Interior Facial Architecture
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Dimensions:
28.3 × 17.8 cm (11 3/16 × 7 1/16 in.)
medium:
Gouache with graphite, on commercially printed magazine page
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

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Mae West's Face which May be Used as a Surrealist Apartment

Salvador Dalí's "Mae West's Face which May be Used as a Surrealist Apartment," created in 1934–35, exemplifies the artist's fascination with the intersection of celebrity culture and surrealism. This work, executed in gouache with graphite on a commercially printed magazine page, reflects Dalí's innovative approach to art, where he transforms the visage of the Hollywood icon Mae West into a fantastical architectural space. The painting is a testament to Dalí's ability to blend popular culture with surrealist motifs, challenging traditional perceptions of both art and architecture. Dalí, a leading figure in the Surrealist movement, often explored themes of dream imagery and the subconscious, which are evident in this work's playful yet thought-provoking composition. This piece not only highlights Dalí's technical skill but also his ability to engage with contemporary cultural icons, thereby cementing his influence on both the art world and popular culture. The work remains a significant example of Dalí's contribution to surrealism, showcasing his unique ability to merge reality with the fantastical.

Description of the work:

Mae West's Face which May be Used as a Surrealist Apartment

Salvador Dalí's "Mae West's Face which May be Used as a Surrealist Apartment" (1934–35) is a gouache and graphite work on a commercially printed magazine page, exemplifying the Surrealist style by transforming the actress's facial features into a fantastical living space. The artwork cleverly integrates elements of architecture and portraiture, reflecting Dalí's fascination with optical illusions and the fluid boundaries between reality and imagination.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Mae West's Face which May be Used as a Surrealist Apartment