A Surreal Pairing: "Magritte and Dali"

This first exhibition to examine the artists in a sole pairing provides an in-depth review of the common threads and creative divergences in their distinctive bodies of work from the late 1920s to the 1940s. During this frenetic and productive period, the two artists displayed works in the same Surrealist exhibitions and passionately explored the techniques and aesthetic points of view which contributed to their respective reputations as monumental figures in art history. Together, their work proposes a stirring challenge to the world of appearances and hints at the deep mystery of life.

Shortly after arriving in Paris In 1929, a young Salvador Dali met fellow surrealist Rene Magritte. A few months later, Magritte joined surrealist poet Paul Eluard and his wife Gala on a visit to Dali at his home in Cadaques. The sultry summer gathering proved auspicious in the parallel stories of Dali and the Avant-garde: Gala fell in love with Dali and remained with him in Cadaques, becoming his muse and chief promoter for the rest of her life. From that moment on, Magritte and Dali would remain aware of each other’s progress along the shared road toward building a new and disruptive art form, each firmly committed to implementing practices that generated fuller freedom of imagination. Their works during this period also shared several visual themes, which are explored throughout the exhibit.

“Rene Magritte is a quintessential figure in the surrealist movement and is celebrated around the globe.  We are proud to provide the first and only opportunity to see his and Dali’s works displayed solely together in the U.S.” said Dr. Hank Hine, Executive Director of The Dali. “This special exhibition continues our dedication to providing our community and the world at large with the essential visual works of our era.”

Showcasing carefully curated, exemplary pieces from Magritte’s and Dali’s distinctive bodies of work, Magritte and Dali pushes back the curtain to reveal what lies beyond the simple appearance of painted images. The two preeminent surrealists opened the mind to an alternative view of the world, constantly challenging reality. Following its presentation at The Dali Museum, Magritte and Dali will travel to the Magritte Museum in Brussels.

Magritte and Dali is organized by The Dali Museum in partnership with The Magritte Museum (a part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium) and is co-curated by Dr. William Jeffett, Chief Curator of Exhibitions at The Dali Museum, and Michel Draguet, General Director of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.