The Newest Exhibition Explores Surrealism’s Influence on Photography, Featuring Experimental Works from Around the Globe, Interactive Elements and Special Programming
The Dalí Museum invites visitors to see the world through a new lens with the opening of The Subversive Eye: Surrealist and Experimental Photography from the David Raymond Collection. Debuting November 16, 2024, this exhibition offers an extraordinary window into the evolution of photographic experimentation through over 100 rare works by 50 visionary artists spanning from 1925 to 1948.
An exhibition exploring the transformative impact of Surrealism on photography, The Subversive Eye examines how artists employed innovative techniques such as multiple exposure, solarization and unconventional framing to challenge perception. The exhibition traces the global reach of surrealist experimentation, drawing connections between avant-garde movements across Eastern Europe, Germany and Japan, highlighting profound works by artists including Eileen Agar, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Dora Maar, Lee Miller, Osamu Shiihara and Man Ray.
“Photography was a vital tool for Surrealists to blur the lines between reality and imagination,” said Dr. William Jeffett, Senior Curator at The Dalí and curator of The Subversive Eye. “As The Dalí celebrates the centennial of Surrealism, this exhibition highlights how artists used experimental techniques to challenge perceptions and explore the subconscious, transforming photography into a powerful medium of expression.”
The Subversive Eye presents a rare and carefully curated selection of avant-garde works from David Raymond’s collection, incorporating perspectives from beyond its European core. Raymond, internationally recognized for his discerning eye, has spent more than 25 years redefining the boundaries of surrealist photography. As Raymond notes, “Surrealism’s truth is rooted in its ability to confront the boundaries of perception. This exhibition is a tribute to that legacy, inviting visitors to reconsider their understanding of both photography and reality.”
The exhibition’s catalog, a scholarly work enriched with essays by art historian Dawn Adès, Dalí Museum Director Dr. Hank Hine, Dr. William Jeffett and David Raymond serves as an authoritative text on the diffusion of surrealist ideas in photography.
An Immersive Encounter with the Surreal
Beyond the photographs on display, The Subversive Eye engages visitors in the very spirit of Surrealism with interactive experiences and special programming. Within the exhibition, a designated “Photo Studio” encourages guests to capture surrealist-inspired photographs on their own smartphones, celebrating the spirit of avant-garde experimentation. Plus, The Dalí’s Dream Tapestry offers an interactive experience that mirrors the exhibition’s theme, using the groundbreaking AI system DALL·E to transform personal dreams into artistic visions in black and white photographs.
Additionally, while the exhibition is on view, a series of workshops will be offered, providing deeper engagement with surrealist photography techniques, from creating a surreal collage to iPhone and Polaroid technique workshops. Exhibition inspired programs can be found at TheDali.org/Events.
The presenting sponsor of The Subversive Eye is Marion R. Rich, with a deep appreciation for surrealist photography. Supporting sponsors include Ingrid & Jake Jacobus and Adele Visaggio, airport partner St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and hotel partner TradeWinds Resort on St. Pete Beach.
For more information on The Subversive Eye, visit TheDali.org/Eye.
CURRENTLY ON VIEW
Dome Night: Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon Immersive Show: Available in The Dalí Dome on select nights through Dec. 21, 2024, this 42-minute Pink Floyd experience combines stunning 360-degree visuals with the iconic album soundtrack, creating a sensory journey beyond reality. Each song features a unique theme, blending futuristic elements with retro nods to Pink Floyd’s iconic visual history, offering a captivating exploration through time and space. Dalí Alive 360° continues during daytime Museum hours.
Ask Dalí: Only available at The Dalí Museum, Ask Dalí allows visitors to ask any question to a re-created Salvador Dalí using the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Created in partnership with Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P), Ask Dalí is powered by several modern machine-learning models, including GPT-4 from OpenAI, which have been trained using a variety of the artist’s writings and archival audio. The result is a voice that sounds remarkably like Dalí and a dialogue that reflects his personality. To start a conversation, visitors simply pick up a telephone inspired by Dalí’s famous Lobster Phone and ask any question they would like.
IMAGES
Permission to reproduce these images is granted solely for use in conjunction with media reportage and review of The Subversive Eye: Surrealist and Experimental Photography from the David Raymond Collection. All reproductions must be accompanied by the image credit noted. Permission to reproduce these images is contingent upon the press’ acknowledgment and acceptance of these terms. High-resolution images are available here.
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About The Dalí Museum
The Dalí Museum, located in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla., is home to a preeminent collection of the artist’s works, with over 2,400 works representing every period and medium of Salvador Dalí’s creative life. The Dalí is recognized internationally by the Michelin Guide with its highest three-star rating; has been named one of seven museums globally that showcase the future by CNN Travel; and was named one of the 10 most interesting museums in the world by Architectural Digest. The Dalí Museum’s acclaimed digital experiences have received numerous national and international awards for creative innovation. The Museum is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to preserve Dalí’s legacy for generations to come and serve as an active resource in the cultural life of the community and the world at large. Open daily at One Dalí Boulevard, St. Petersburg, Fla. 33701, The Dalí welcomes all as unique individuals and is committed to making its collection, exhibitions, building and programs accessible. For more information, visit TheDali.org or download the Bloomberg Connects app for The Dalí Museum’s free mobile guide.
About David Raymond
David Raymond is a renowned filmmaker, artist and internationally recognized collector of contemporary and vintage photography. Raymond began taking pictures at the age of eight and is one of the top photography collectors in the world, with works featured in prominent exhibitions and publications. Raymond’s artistic works, including photography and video, have been showcased in the major cities New York, Paris, Buenos Aires and Berlin. Raymond has lectured globally on collecting and the art market and has contributed to institutions such as the Getty Museum and The Cleveland Museum of Art, where there is a collection named after him. For more information on Raymond, visit eyeofeternity.com.
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