A play about Salvador Dalí’s possible gay lover closes this weekend in Tampa, but across the bridge, one artist continues to explore the fluidity of identity in the context of the surrealist icon.
“I was inspired just as much by Dalí’s work as by his identity and presence in the art world, and the impression he left on me as the archetype of the eccentric artist,” Lauren YS, told reporters at St. Pete’s Dalí Museum last Wednesday.
“I wanted to capture the sense of eccentricity and sort of manic expression that he sort of leaves on your memory,” YS said. Their mural taps into their creative Rolodex to capture Dalí’s energy. The work is inspired in part by 1940’s “Daddy Longlegs of the Evening–Hope!” and has a quote from the artist: “Mi locura es sagrada, no la toquen,” which translates to ““My madness is sacred, do not touch it.”
The Los Angeles artist is one of 13 painters from across the world who’ve transformed the temporary exhibit space at the museum into an indoor mural festival. YS’ work—curated by Shine Mural Festival’s Allison McCarthy—lives next to trippy stuff from Naomi Haverland, an immersive Greg Mike, plus signature work from beloved locals like Nicole Salgar, Bask, Tes One, Chad Mize and Palehorse.
As Shine (stylized in all-caps) approaches its 10th anniversary, the Dalí wanted to bring artists who previously participated in the festival to paint—in air-conditioned climes this time around.
“This is sort of a love letter to the creative spirit of St Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area,” McCarthy told reporters as scissor lifts beeped in the background while artists finished their work.
Mize—whose signature doodle style is a welcome sight at the “Outside In: New Murals Inspired by Dalí” exhibit, which runs through Oct. 26—was inspired by a 1990 high school field trip to the old Dalí museum location.
“My favorite piece was ‘The Hallucinogenic Toreador,'” Mize told reporters, adding that he referenced that late-60s work with color while adding bright, retro St. Pete vibes. “I was totally wowed by the work. It was kind of the first museum I ever went to, and it inspired me to be an artist.”
Also at “Outside In” is work from Haverland, an Australian artist known for anamorphic, seemingly three-dimensional work that pops off the wall. Her piece is made so that visitors can pose on a designated spot on the floor and snap a photo that looks like Dalí is reaching out and holding them.
Next to Haverland, Chris Parks—aka Palehorse—worked on his intricate mural that combines goddesses of art, music, learning, wealth, and a fierce goddess named Durga. “Gala was known to be really, all of those things,” Parks said, noting how Dalí’s wife helped the artist not just sell paintings and find curators, but be inspired, too.
“She was seen as his muse, kind of like a physical manifestation of his creative cues, and she really helped bring out the best in his work. So this is a representation of that,” Parks added. “And then personally, it’s also a homage to my own wife, who has been so crucial in my art career.”
There’s a tribute to another woman in the mural by St. Pete artist Salgar, who, like Mize, visited the museum as a child.
“I have this connection with Dalí because he was so strange and mystical and wild and different, which stood out as from other qualities of artists I had seen at my age,” Salgar said. Her piece adopts symbolism from the Dalí, including the artist’s plaster lobster phone.
“I really am interested in forms of communication and how we communicate with one another,” she explained before pointing to a spot in the mural where she painted three figures, including her mom. “It’s the essence of her, and she’s answering the phone.”
Leon Bedore—aka Tes One—is another Tampa Bay artist who answered the call from the Dalí, and his work riffs on the artist’s practice of micro-napping with a key to capture his dreams.
The nap was supposed to happen in a bony armchair, with head tilted back and hands hanging from the furniture. A heavy key—with an upside down plate on the ground below it—was to be held lightly in the left hand between the thumb and pointer finger.
“The moment the key drops from your fingers, you may be sure that the noise of its fall on the upside down plate will awaken you,” Dalí explained.
The practice was supposed to harness the power of the hypnagogic sleep state where the mind is fluid, and facilitate creative connections between remote concepts that might not be accessible while awake.
Art lovers have a chance to walk amongst the dreams right now.
McCarthy hosts a coffee talk on Wednesday, June 4, while Mize does a Pride-related talk next Thursday, June 5.
‘Outside In: New Murals Inspired by Dalí’ is on display through Oct. 26 and included with admission to St. Petersburg’s Dalí Museum.
