"Tribute to Imagination: Salvador Dali Crystal Sculpture" Exhibition Opens at WKSGM

On May 12, 2011, the exhibition "Tribute to Imagination: Salvador Dali Crystal Sculpture" at the SGM Exhibition Hall, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM was officially opened by Mr Agustín Anguera, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Spain. Also present was Ambassador-Designate of Spain, Mrs María Bassols. Organised by SGM, the exhibition was a collaboration with the Embassy of Spain.

The exhibition, which was opened on May 1 and will continue to June 12, 2011, showcased 25 of Dali’s crystal sculptures including the famous "The Melting Clock" and "Venus de Milo with Drawers." The works were first executed based on subjects in his own artworks, then softened, distended and transmutated, turning into dream-like artworks.

One of the most emblematic and enigmatic artists of the 20th century, Dali also had a passion for research and experimentation, succeeding as a sculptor, jeweller and furniture designer, book illustrator, performance artist and even film-maker.

In his opening speech, Mr Anguera said: "There is not a single field within the arts which Dalí has not explored, in most cases with success, which is in itself a tribute to his extraordinary creativity and imagination tribute to his extraordinary creativity and imagination."

In conjunction with the exhibition, viewers were able to deepen their understanding and appreciation of sculptures in an art talk by a renowned Malaysian sculptor Associate Professor Ramlan Abdullah on May 29, 2011. They also have opportunities to express their creativity through creating their own Salvador Dali art pieces in the "I Am Not Mad" programme. In addition, evening appreciation sessions entitled "Art After 5" were also held on selected days to enable members of the public to enhance their appreciation of the sculptures.