Аннотация: "Thirst for Today." How to compose a biography of Salvador Dalí? A culturological essay.
"Thirst for Today." How to compose a biography of Salvador Dalí? A culturological essay.
After reading the fundamental biography of Salvador Dalí (by Michel Nuridsany [Dalí, Flammarion, 2004]), as well as several books written by Salvador Dalí himself and his wife Gala, as well as some other authors, I tried to to understand a "method" of construction the biography of Salvador Dalí.
The autobiographical books of Dalí himself give a complex, mostly negative, image. Amanda Lear's book provides a positive image. Gala's book adds detail.
The author of the biography combines a negative image with a positive image, adds biographical details ...
After that, the paintings and the literary works of Salvador Dalí himself are examined and commented on ...
The biography is ready, and the author's comments and a creative approach to combining negative and positive traits gives the biography individuality, that is, individualizes it.
Let's try to look at the life of Salvador Dalí (1904 - 1989) from a more general point of view.
At a more or less conscious age, he recieved news about the First World War and revolutionary events.
Signs of the Spanish Civil War appeared as early as 1934.
Further - the Second World War.
Probably, one could offer Salvador Dalí a struggle for some ideals.
But neither his personality traits, nor his family history, it seems, formed in him a person who, at the risk of his life and health, strives to defend any ideals.
What was to do?
It remained to survive in an era when millions of people died.
At Dalí's disposal was the talent of an artist, the ability to shock the public, he was distinguished by high efficiency, did not use drugs, almost did not drink alcohol. He didn't seem to smoke. In general, he was hardworking and inclined towards a relatively healthy lifestyle. He was inclined to live in his native places on the coast of Spain. It was a healthy and beautiful places.
His wife Gala, who prudently left Russia during the First World War, before the revolution, by a difficult detour route, had outstanding managerial skills and she organized the effective promotion of Dalí's paintings to intermediaries and buyers of paintings.
So, the abilities of Salvador Dalí himself and his wife Gala combined.
By the combined efforts of Salvador Dalí and his wife, a popular artist appeared in the art world, whose paintings were in demand.
In the difficult 20th century, a typical personality who entered the new era from the 19th century experienced increasing tension and pressure.
Dalí's work allowed a typical personality of the 20th century to look at some of own qualities more calmly, to laugh at something. In addition, Dalí provided entertainment for people - and this is also appreciated.
Abilities in painting, the choice of often unusual and scandalous subjects for painting, a kind of clownery - all this gave Salvador Dalí a creative and cultural individuality.
With such a culture, it was impossible to create and to launch spaceships. But with such a culture, it was possible to relax, have fun after a hard day in the office or in a boutique ...
If in the work of Kazimir Malevich, for example, we can see a feeling or a premonition of skyscrapers, aircraft carriers and space stations, then in the work of Dalí, perhaps, there is a smile towards a (relatively weak) person who fell into the meat grinder of the 20th century. Let's see more positivly! And let's smile, more! Not everyone and not always comfortable in a meat grinder, but you can not focus on this, but think about the beauty of sharp blades that cut meat. You can keep a good mood and smile.
Perhaps Henri Troyat, sitting (was employed) in one of the municipal institutions of Paris during the fascist occupation, was relieved to switch his thoughts to other topics - if he heard news from the United States about Salvador Dalí.
The poet García Lorca, who was close to Salvador Dalí in his youth, was shot in 1936.
The Spaniard Pablo Picasso did not want to return to Spain, which was led by Franco, and lived outside his homeland.
A person with changing political views, Salvador Dalí built positive relations with Franco, spent a lot of time in own favorite places - in his (Dalí) small homeland.
Perhaps Salvador Dalí's clownery allowed him to fit into the cultural life of the 20th century.
It seems that he mystified many, but few people he caused any significant harm.
In the difficult 20th century, Salvador Dalí managed to survive and live a fairly prosperous life - relying on his creative abilities, on the energy and organizational abilities of his wife Gala.
[(XVII.) Nikola Tesla. What to write about Tesla? Who and what write about Nikola Tesla? Literary essay. - September 18, 2016 ("1519-2019. 500 years. From the past to the future. 16 essays about famous explorers, writers, scientists and inventors. Collection" by Vladimir Zalessky)].
December 29, 2021 18:55
Translation from Russian into English: December 29, 2021 21:49.
Владимир Владимирович Залесский ""Жажда сегодняшнего дня". Как сконструировать биографию Сальвадора Дали? Культурологический очерк".