A major new exhibition in Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, will for the first time tell the story of Gala Dalí – artist, muse and a key figure in twentieth-century art. The exhibition, entitled ‘Gala Salvador Dalí. A Room of One’s Own in Púbol‘ will show at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya from July 6 to October 14, 2018.
The wife of the celebrated Catalan artist is widely regarded as a pivotal influence both on the artistic evolution of her husband, Salvador Dalí, and on the wider Surrealist art movement. Russian-born Gala was a writer, artist, designer, art dealer and advisor. Her personal relationships with many of the most famous artists of the period made her a critical figure in the movement. Before marrying Salvador Dalí she was the wife of poet Paul Eluard. She was a model to Man Ray and enjoyed close friendships with figures including Max Ernst, René Char and René Crevel.
The exhibition pays homage to Gala and also showcases her influence on her husband’s work. Gala became Dalí’s muse, the leading lady of many of his paintings, and collaborator on so many of his works that he began to sign his pieces with both their names – ‘Gala-Salvador Dalí. The exhibition brings together 60 of his works, including oil paintings and drawings from the Dalí Foundation and private collections and international museums.
Gala’s own colourful life and captivating character is shown through a collection of personal letters, sketches, photographs, engravings, postcards and books, as well as dresses and trinkets from her personal boudoir. The exhibition will also feature a selection of paintings, drawings and photographs by other prominent artists of the Surrealist movement who Gala influenced, including Max Ernst, Picasso, Man Ray, Cecil Beaton and Brassaï.
A Catalan native, Salvador Dalí’s work and legacy are evident throughout the entire region and play a key role in the region’s culture and history. Visitors can discover more about the life and work of the Surrealist pioneer by visiting the famous “Dalí Triangle” which consists of three key attractions in Figueres, Portlligat and Púbol:
- Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres houses a large collection of surrealist works, as well as the collection of his jewels, Dalí-Jewels.
patrimoni.gencat.cat/en/collection/Dalí -theatre-museum-and-Dalí -triangle
- Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat (Cadaqués) was the painter’s private residence and workshop and contains many of Dalí ‘s furniture and personal items.
patrimoni.gencat.cat/en/collection/salvador-Dalí s-house-portlligat
- Gala Dalí Castle House-Museum inPúbol, was the house Dalí bought for his wife as a gift to fulfil a promise: to make her the queen of a castle. It is the burial place of Gala
patrimoni.gencat.cat/en/collection/gala-Dalí -castle-pubol
For further information on the Dalí Triangle visit:
www.salvador-Dalí .org/en/museums/the-Dalí nian-triangle/
For more information on the exhibition visit:
