Dali/Duchamp is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view more than 50 works showcasing some of Dali’s most acclaimed paintings and sculptures, including three paintings never before seen at The Dali – Christ of Saint John of the Cross (c. 1951), Apparition of Face and Fruit Dish on a Beach (1938) and Two pieces of bread expressing the sentiment of love (1940) – as well as Duchamp’s groundbreaking assemblages and ready-mades. It will also include the less familiar: photographs by Dali, paintings by Duchamp, and correspondence and collaborations between the two artists and is organized as a dialogue between them through four themes – Identities and a Challenge to Painting; Playing Games; Science and Religion; and the Body and the Object.
Beyond the exhibition gallery, a variety of corresponding programs inspired by Dali and Duchamp are planned, including the popular monthly Coffee with a Curator lecture series; Artflix, the Museum’s themed movies series; activities for families in The Dali’s free first-floor Stavros Education Room and more. The Museum will also host monthly Thursday evening game nights for the community February through May, as an homage to Dali and Duchamp’s love of games. The series will kick off February 22 with Drag Queen Bingo, in collaboration with Hamburger Mary’s, including a talk on the artistry and history of drag. On March 29, The Dali will host the ultimate chess game day with special guest, Grandmaster chess champion and co-author of Marcel Duchamp: The Art of Chess, Jennifer Shahade for a lecture, open games with ranked area chess players and the opportunity to face off against Shahade in a Surreal Simul Chess Game. Events for April and May are also planned.
Exhibition organized by The Dali Museum, St Petersburg, FL and the Royal Academy of Arts, London, in collaboration with the Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation and the Association Marcel Duchamp. Exhibition curated by Dawn Ades and William Jeffett, with Sarah Lea and Desiree de Chair.