Speyer Welcomes the Work of Salvador Dali

Spotted on the Boulevard: true masterpieces. Once again, Speyer was the home of a Teacher’s Discovery Traveling Exhibit. Last year, we welcomed the works of Picasso, and this year, we had the fortune to view fascinating paintings from “the father of surrealism" the Spanish painter, Salvador Dali. 

In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage month, everyone at Speyer enjoyed the giant reproductions, which included three of the most famous of his paintings: Galatea of the Spheres, Suburbs of a Paranoiac Critical Town, and The Persistence of Memory. 

As part of their examination of the exhibit during Spanish, sixth graders played the "Veo-Veo" game (“I Spy”) while looking at the paintings. They also had amazing observations about three concepts that are a part of surrealist technique: juxtaposition, transformation, and dislocation.

Before their visit to the Boulevard’s temporary art gallery, third-grade Trailblazers watched a video, which focused on The Persistence of Memory. It sparked a lot of discussion about the metaphorical meanings of the "melting" clocks. The Trailblazers reflected upon how big of a role time plays in our daily lives, and what it would mean if we weren't constrained by time. The students especially enjoyed looking at the clock that was being "eaten" by bugs and the depiction of the manatee.

In studying Dali and the exhibition, it was illuminated how, as an artist, Dali did not stick to one particular style or media. He was constantly evolving as an artist. Dali left behind behind watercolors, drawings, graphics, oils, and sculptures. He created films and performance pieces. He took photographs, designed jewelry and objects of all descriptions. If you look at the expanse of his work, you find he explored impressionist, classical and, of course, surrealist styles. Aside from his amazing art, perhaps the best thing he left for us is the idea that we have permission to explore all aspects of our life and to give them artistic expression.