Surrealism: Salvador Dalí and the Eye

This PowerPoint presentation is designed to introduce students to the world of surrealism through the works of one of its most famous proponents, Salvador Dalí. Focusing on the recurring motif of the eye in surrealist art, the resource delves into Dalí’s life, his artistic journey, and his contributions to both art and film. The presentation also encourages students to explore their creativity by planning and sketching their own surrealist artworks inspired by Dalí.

Content Summary:
Introduction to Salvador Dalí:

A brief introduction to Dalí, highlighting his eccentric personality and signature moustache.
Discussion prompts to engage students in identifying Dalí and speculating on his fame.
The Surrealist Movement:

Explanation of surrealism as a philosophical and artistic movement.
Key characteristics of surrealist art, focusing on the subconscious and dream imagery.
Dalí’s Early Life and Career:

Overview of Dalí’s early life, family background, and initial foray into art.
Highlights of Dalí’s teenage artwork showcasing his early talent.
Dalí’s time in Madrid, his experimentation with different art styles, and the development of his unique persona.
Famous Works by Dalí:

Analysis of Dalí’s iconic paintings, including “The Persistence of Memory” and “The Face of War”.
The thematic significance of these works and their impact on the art world.
Dalí and the Eye:

Examination of Dalí’s use of the eye motif in various artworks.
Discussion of Dalí’s collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock on the film “Spellbound” and the surreal dream sequences he designed.
Showcasing “The Eye of Time” watch and other eye-related works, illustrating Dalí’s fascination with time and vision.
Other Surrealist Artists:

Introduction to other notable surrealist artists, such as René Magritte, with works like “The False Mirror”.
Comparison of their interpretations of the eye motif.
Creative Project:

Inspiration and prompts for students to create their own surrealist art piece based on the eye.
Encouragement to sketch ideas and plan their artworks in sketchbooks, drawing from the surrealist techniques and themes discussed.