Ola Sz., 8a

 “The Persistence of Memory”, in other way “Melting Clocks” is the most popular surrealism painting in the world. Masterpiece was painted in 1931 by Spanish artist, Salvador Dali. It is made by oils on the canvas and has dimensions 24cm X 33cm. This is interesting because most of the oil paintings have much bigger surface. Actually it is located in Museum of Modern Art. in New York.

In the foreground of the work there are two main elements – cubic block, with dead, withered tree on it and, in the middle, strange creature– sea monster? Our concentration is focused on three title clocks which are sticking on the previously listed objects. The first one is lying on the top, the second is hanging from the bush and the last one is weighting down the animal. They are deformed and pull like a plasticine. They are giving us the impression of impermanence. After few moments we observe fourth pocket clock – it is close and ants-infested. In the background we can see calm seacoast in the sunset. Whole seems as static, as worringly. Coloring is rather warm, only few details are cold blue, colours are matt and muted.

In my opinion, this painting is extremely specyfic. The way clocks refer to the passing time and the life exhorts to reflect, but there is something in this picture what makes me feel scared. For a long time i couldn`t understand it. Only after I read few articles about it, i really knew what is going on with this piece of art. Asessment of masterpiece like this is coming out of my share, I think, but if someone asked me about it, I would tell him it is fascinating, but not beautiful for everyone. Not for me.