In 2017, I had the opportunity to see the Salvador Dalí exhibition in Berlin. Dali's chaotic, genius pieces have always captivated me. His ability to project our crazy dreams and subconscious onto canvas is truly remarkable. What's even more fascinating is how his work, some more futuristic and others more questionable, seems to fit perfectly into today's reality. Dali's influence on modern art and culture is undeniably profound, shaping our perceptions and sparking new artistic expressions. His work has not only left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness but has also inspired a myriad of transformative impacts. Personally, I am deeply moved and inspired by the unparalleled influence of his art, and I believe his work will continue to inspire generations to come.

Salvador Dalí, a figure who has always held a special place in my heart, was born in 1904 in Catalonia and lived for 84 fantastic years. His life and art have always resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Dali had an older brother who was also named Salvador. He died nine months before Salvador was born. Dali mythologized his brother in his writings and art, saying of him, "We resembled each other like two drops of water, but we had different reflections. He was probably the first version of myself but conceived too much in the absolute.".

After World War II, Dali skyrocketed to global fame with his distinctive long cape, walking stick, haughty expression, and a moustache that he meticulously waxed and upturned at the ends, becoming iconic symbols of his personal brand. His unapologetic boldness and public proclamations of his genius were pivotal in shaping the captivating public persona of Dali.

"Every morning upon awakening, I experience a supreme pleasure: that of being Salvador Dali."

One of my favorite Dali pieces is The Persistence of Memory. This dreamlike painting, with a fluidity that captures the relativity of time, challenges us to rethink our relationship with time.

Surrealism blurs the lines between imagination and reality, challenging the relentless march of time. It underscores the artist's deep-seated fascination with its symbolic power. Are we mere captives of time's unyielding grasp? Dali unequivocally asserts that while time inexorably advances, memories endure; they persist. Let's delve into the painting by dissecting its various elements to uncover its profound significance.

Behold the three soft watches that symbolize the ever-moving and relative nature of time. Just as in our dreams, the past, present, and future coexist and work together in perfect harmony. Each watch rests upon a different surface, representing these three distinct temporalities.

The rigid orange watch, defying the forces of nature as it echoes the relentless march of time, even when overrun by industrious ants. The relentless march of ants over the sturdy watch signifies decay and mortality, invoking a powerful symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The artist first made this profound connection as a child, when he witnessed a swarm of ants converging on the remains of a bat, forever imprinting the image in his mind. This scene, with the ants representing the relentless march of time and the watch symbolizing the human attempt to control it, is a powerful commentary on the futility of our efforts to resist the passage of time.

A peculiar object, or rather, a character, lies on the ground, possibly representing the artist or the inner world and its dreamlike essence.

The mirror, with its ability to reflect both reality and the imagination, serves as a powerful symbol of inconsistency.

Behold the once majestic olive tree, a symbol of wisdom, now stands dry and lifeless, serving as a poignant reminder of the past.

Dali poignantly conveys his emotional emptiness through the desolate shoreline, evoking a sense of profound solitude and yearning.

The radiant sea serves as a powerful symbol of memory and reality, standing in stark contrast to the dark foreground that evokes an overwhelming and imaginary world. This striking juxtaposition invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between memory and imagination, urging them to delve deeper into the complex layers of the artwork.

The mountains stand firm in the earth, etched into the artist's memories, evoking the enchantment of childhood.

The egg is a powerful symbol representing birth and the promise of renewal.

This captivating painting serves as a powerful reminder of our dependence on time. The constant pressure to be punctual and the relentless ticking of the clock dominate our lives, leaving little room for respite. Every aspect of our existence is dictated by time, from the moment we are born to the instant we draw our last breath. But ponder this: what if our days were governed by the natural rhythm of the sun rather than the rigidity of schedules and deadlines? Envision a life with less stress and more joy, where each day unfolds at its own pace, unburdened by the tyranny of time.