The Dalí Museum’s Student Surrealist Art Exhibit: “obsession, disintegration and reinvention”
Initiated in 1985, this annual juried art exhibition presents work by middle and high school students that explores ideas and visions similar to those of Salvador Dalí and the surrealists. This year’s theme was inspired by the artist’s periods of obsession, disintegration and reinvention, each reflected in his artistic style, techniques and self-expression. With these broad themes, students are invited to explore one or more of these concepts in their own artwork.
Dalí was renowned for his obsessions, ranging from his Catalan landscapes to Millet’s painting The Angelus to his wife, Gala. These obsessions pervade his art and writings, with some persisting throughout his life. Dalí’s obsessions fueled his creative genius. Obsession invites students to reflect on and visually explore their key fixations.
Following the dropping of the atomic bomb, Dalí became fascinated with the concept of disintegration. Disintegration implies the fragmentation of a subject, which Dalí represented visually through dissolution and pixelation. The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory (1954) is a reinterpretation of his celebrated 1931 work, The Persistence of Memory. He shatters his original composition, indicating how the world had changed. Disintegration challenges students to explore how an object or concept can be decomposed visually.
Reinvention is at the core of Dalí’s persona and art. Fleeing Europe during World War II, Dalí reinvented himself to appeal to the American public. Turning his back on modern art, he drew inspiration from the Renaissance and Catholicism and rebranded himself through his iconic symbols like his mustache and melting clocks. Reinvention invites students to reflect on how change can be expressed visually, whether relating to their personal identity or the essence of their subject.
Please see the guidelines below for entry information. We look forward to seeing your students’ artwork!
Check out The Dalí’s video resources for the Student Surrealist Art Exhibit:
View closed caption version
View closed caption version
Please read the guidelines carefully; some information has changed.
2025 Pinellas Guidelines
Digital submissions due to Pinellas Art Office: November 8, 2024
2025 Hillsborough Guidelines
Digital submissions due to Hillsborough Art Office: February 7, 2025
2025 Statewide Guidelines
Digital submissions due to EntryThingy: March 7, 2025
Note: Students may not submit their own artwork. Art teachers should submit artwork on their students’ behalf. If a student is not enrolled in an art class during the current semester, any art teacher at the same school may submit on the student’s behalf.
view past student surrealist art exhibits online:
2025
2025 Pinellas County Exhibition Online
2025 Hillsborough County Exhibition Online
2024
2024 Statewide Exhibition Online
2024 Pinellas County Exhibition Online
2024 Hillsborough County Exhibition Online
2023
2023 Statewide Exhibition Online
2023 Pinellas County Exhibition Online
2023 Hillsborough County Exhibition Online
2022
2022 Statewide Exhibition Online
2022 Pinellas County Exhibition Online
2022 Hillsborough County Exhibition Online
2021
2021 Statewide Exhibition Online
2021 Pinellas County Exhibition Online
2021 Hillsborough County Exhibition Online
2020
2020 Statewide Exhibition Online
2020 Hillsborough County Exhibition Online
view photos of past student surrealist art exhibits:
2019 Statewide Exhibition Photos
2018 Statewide Exhibition Photos
2017 Statewide Exhibition Photos
2016 Statewide Exhibition Photos
2015 Statewide Exhibition Photos
2014 Statewide Exhibition Photos
2013 Statewide Exhibition Photos
2012 Statewide Exhibition Photos
Thank you to our sponsor:
The Student Surrealist Art Exhibitions, Competition and Receptions are funded by a generous gift from an anonymous donor and in part from a program endowment fund established by the Craig and Jan Sher Philanthropic Fund. Additional support for this educational program comes from our Museum corporate partner, Bloomin’ Brands.
