The Life and Influences of Salvador Dali
Salvador Dali was one of the most creative artists of the 20th century. His artwork was cannot be categorized into one genre because the style of his artwork changed as he grew as an artist (he has impressionist paintings, surrealist paintings, and classical paintings). Though his style changed a lot, his inspirations were usually derived from politics and symbolism. Not only is he one of the more famous artists of the 20th century but one of the greatest painters of all time.
Salvador Felipe Jacinto Dali I Domenech was born on May 11, 1904 in Figueres, Spain (located in the principality of Catalonia). Dali began painting as a young child and attended various art schools throughout Spain.   He become internationally known after three of his paintings appeared in the Carnegie International Exhibit in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania in 1928.  
Dali had a very interesting outlook on life and belief system. He was eccentric from a young age and also known throughout his career for being very flamboyant. He argued that surrealism should not only be used in art but also applied to everyday life.
Though Dali went through many different stages as a painter, he is most famous for being a surrealist. Surrealist art has the element of surprise and also is abrupt and has unexpected images and interpretations.
Salvador Dali’s most famous painting is La Persistencia de la Memoria. Dali painted this piece during his surrealist period. Time is the main theme in the painting. There are many watches painted in the painting along with scenery from the Catalan coastline, Dali’s home. The watches in the painting are a symbol of the relativity of space and time. It is believed that Dali was incorporating Albert Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity into this painting. The painting is currently part of the collection at New York’s Museum of Modern Art.  
Politics also greatly influenced Salvador Dali’s work. His political views changed... [continues]

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