Detail of The Ghost of Vermeer of Delft Which can be used as a Table

Lecture: Dalí’s Ghosts

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October 27, 2022 @ 6:00pm 7:00pm

For this Halloween-themed lecture, Peter Tush, Curator of Education, will explore the spectral domain of Dalí’s art. Throughout the early 1930s, Dalí developed a body of symbols associated with death – cypress trees, skulls, ancient burial stones, even the image of his dead cousin Carolineta. He also produced a number of paintings that circle around theme of ghosts and apparition, including the Ghost of Vermeer and Shades of Night Descending. Related to these works, Dalí posed for a series of ghostly photographs wrapped in sheets. The talk will draw on Dalí’s 1934 essay, “New Colors of Spectral Sex Appeal,” to situate this unique but rarely discussed uncanny dimension of Dalí’s Surrealism.

Location: The Dalí Museum’s Will Raymund Theater (registration required)


Register to attend in person at the link below. This event is free, with limited capacity. An event ticket is required for entry. Gallery access is not included.


To watch the live stream from home, click below at the time of the program:


Peter Tush, Curator of Education

Peter Tush, Senior Curator of Education

Peter Tush is the Curator of Education of The Dalí Museum. Tush has his Undergraduate degree in Art History from New College in Sarasota and his Masters in Art History from the University of South Florida. Part of the Dalí staff for over two decades, he is a key interpreter of the Dalí collection and special exhibitions. He trains the Dalí docents, scripts the audio guides and gallery labels, leads the education team to develop school programming and student exhibits, and works with the curatorial team to develop exhibitions. Over the years, he has presented on a wide range of Dalí-related topics including Surrealism and women, Dalí and Hollywood, and Dalí’s Catalan heritage. In addition, Tush is the co-host of Step Outside on WMNF 88.5fm Tampa.