Dalí: The Late Work
The High Museum of Art
August 7, 2010 - January 9, 2011

While the High Museum of Art houses more than 11,000 permanent works, it is perhaps appreciated most for its world-renowned special exhibits. The latest endeavor is a multimedia retrospective of the last 40 years of Salvador Dalí's career. Dalí: The Late Work features more than 100 works, including 40 paintings, which explore Dalí's immersion into, and influence over, the Surrealism movement.

After a brief introduction to his early work which is heavily influenced by the Renaissance masters, you're greeted with a shocking view of the Santiago El Grande. This 15-foot tall painting is one of the initial forays into Nuclear Mysticism - essentially Dalí's attempts to meld his newfound Catholic reverence with the fresh concept of atomic disintegration in the aftermath of the H-Bomb. The adjoining room offers up the Assumpta Corpuscularia Lapislazulina as well as the Christ of St. John of the Cross, which hasn't appeared in the U.S. since 1965. It is here that Dalí's famed perspectives and distortions become readily apparent.

The 60-some remaining works utilize various media. In one alcove, drawings and performance pieces include illustrations of Don Quixote and Dalí's Ten Recipes for Immortality. A number of these pieces have intriguing back stories, such as using an octopus and homemade paintball gun in lieu of brushes to achieve texture. A handful of films add movement to the collection, while in the Pop Art Precursor room the glittering jewelry and intriguing chess set offset a pile of garbage. (Literally - Andy Warhol preserved a sack of Dalí's discarded papers and trash!)

In addition to exploring the mind of Salvador Dalí, this exhibit leads you on a journey through his personal relationships. A 40+ year working career with photographer Philippe Halsman enables us to catch intimate and raw moments with the original celebrity artist. Such moments and relationships help viewers challenge their preconceived notions of a once-presumed madman. Perhaps Dali: The Late Work is the first step in abolishing the mutual exclusivity of science, religion and art.

This exhibit is on display through Jan. 9, 2011. Keep an eye out for upcoming events, including Saturday's Surreal Soirée and Dalí-ween!

Insider info: This is a fantastic option for kids. The High has created a children's audio tour, narrated in song by none other than Dalí's Mustache! I highly recommend both tours, as Dalí's work is even more astounding with the tiny details explained.

Also, what Dalí exhibit would be complete without the use of 3-D glasses? The stereoscopic paintings of a window and war are quite a riot. Visitors are encouraged to cross their eyes to "make the effect work", but if you prefer, slip on a pair of provided glasses.