In typical Freudian fashion, and like many Surrealists, Dalí explained his work as the spontaneous illustration of unconscious processes such as dreams and hallucinations. This lecture challenges the artist’s account by investigating his self-conscious and sustained engagement with art-historical precedents, as well as the way later movements took inspiration from his innovations, but in a way that often countermanded his intentions. In the process, discover a richer and more complex picture of Dali’s work.

Claude Cernuschi, professor emeritus, Art History, and chair, Fine Arts Department, Boston College

Course Packages

Purchase a ticket package for the full six-session “Dalí In Context”. Please note that this option is not available after the date of the first session.