Dali Alive showcases surrealist paintings

Mar. 9—INDIANAPOLIS — Entering the LUME at Newfields, a visitor is surrounded by the sights and sounds of renowned artist Salvador Dali.

Dali is the latest artist to be featured in the 30,000-square-foot venue which includes 120 floor-to-ceiling projections and follows the first two exhibits of the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.

Dali's artwork is dramatically different from the works of Van Gogh and Monet. His paintings delve into his dreams and larger-than-life personality.

"Dali Alive will be a memorable experience for guests who are interested in learning more about surrealism," said Jonathan Berger, vice president of marketing.

The artwork surrounds a visitor with moving projections on the walls, floors and ceilings.

Dali is well known for his surrealist paintings, including the famous melting watches that are part of the "persistence of memory" works.

But he started as an impressionist painter and joined the surrealists in 1929.

In the final gallery is artwork owned by Newfields that has not been on public display in 45 years.

They are four painting of backdrops Dali created for a play in the 1960s.

Berger said there were actually five original Dali productions, but one remains missing.

Berger said an Indiana couple purchased the four paintings and donated them to the museum.

The Dali Museum in Florida didn't know that they remained in existence, he said.

There are numerous images of Dali, who was admittedly not a modest man.

Included is the famous picture of Dali leaping with numerous items suspended in time.

Dali's artwork created an imaginative world that resulted in captivating artwork that each visitor will get to experience and share new perspectives.

The approximately 45-minute presentation is a look at how Dali continued to reinvent himself through his artwork.

Dali's artwork continues to have an impact on culture today and remains recognized worldwide.

The exhibit is open through March 2, 2025. Tickets for adult and youth members are $17 and $24 and for the general public range from $21 to $29.

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