Blog Post #2

The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali in 1931

Museum of Modern Arts PAINTING AND SCULPTURE I, GALLERY 12, FLOOR 5

The form of this piece of art is painting, specifically oil on canvas. The style is abstract, giving the viewer a different perspective on time, portrayed as droopy clocks. We all know the clock is the best representation of time in our world, and we see them as round and non-flexible. Dali twists this around by painting these melted clocks around this desert-ocean scenery. The lines being used are mostly vertical, implying a downward motion to portray sadness, depression, and grief. The colors are complementary, with blue and orange-yellow or yellowish brown being used (two colors completely opposite on the color wheel). This makes the painting more eye-catching and has a sort of warm and cold mix, giving it the light and dark tone which really stands out. There is hardly no geometric shapes used, mostly distortions of geometric shapes such as distorted circles. But what does this painting mean?

Objectively, we might all have the common analogy that it has to do with time. Also, we might all agree that it isn't a happy tone, but more like a sad tone. While this painting might be hard to interpret at first glance, people might agree that these clocks are 'dying' implying that time is running out. Then might go into further detail into the end of the world, or the rapture, or even death.

What I think, subjectively, is that these clocks do not represent time, but rather, represent our memories. Since there are more than one clock, these could be a clue into representing our different experiences and moments in our past. They look as if they are decaying. The ants on the bottom left are scavenging the remains. As we grow older, our memories fade. Once was a strong memory you had will soon turn into an old, faded, memory; represented by these clocks. They will dry out (hence, they're in a desert) and soon will be forgotten.

I enjoy this particular piece by Salvador Dali because it gives you time to rethink yourself. Know your roots and if there is a memory that you don't want to forget, then hold on to it.