Module 4 Artwork Analysis

Title: The Persistence of Memory

Artist: Salvador Dali 

Year: 1931

Dali was an artist that described his work as “hand-painted dream photographs" applying surrealism methods to all his work. This oil painting measures 9 1/2 x 13 inches. This piece remains in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He really relied on his imagination or dream world to create art that was not the norm. In this Dali used a lot of browns, yellow, and gold which look like warm colors ranging from light to dark. I think this piece creates a dream land where time does not matter. It is calming showing water with no waves, no clouds in the sky, and watches and clocks of different styles and time melting as if you can stay there forever. In this time we are all rushed and do not stop and take the time to tap into our dreams and creativities. This artist uses the space in this piece well balancing space that uses objects and space that is open. It also looks like Dali has someone in two different places at once. What looks like a desk but then setting a tree on this desk with a clock and placing it right next to rocks and water. The white figure looks like a human with large eyelashes. It has a what looks a moustache and lips where eyebrows would be on a face. It uses many shapes, lines, and textures in the painting. All of the watches are different in color and style and have different times. showing the clocks melting creates an illusion that the metal in dripping. The clocks make The Persistence of Memory an iconic piece and have been imitated as well. It outdoes much of the modern art. This piece has a lot of movement and creativity in it while also allowing the viewer to provide their own interpretations.

Publication excerpt from MoMA Highlights: 375 Works from The Museum
of Modern Art, New York (New York: The Museum of Modern Art, 2019)