Immerse yourself in Spanish culture and ‘follow the beat’ of each surrealistic stage: ‘Inferno, Purgatory and Paradise.’
By Aliya Karimjee
A dancer is embracing her Spanish heritage through traditional Flamenco dance at the Divina Dalí exhibition at Brookfield Place on November 4. (Aliya Karimjee/CanCulture)
With Toronto’s artistic presence, it is no surprise that there is yet another formidable exhibition. This city has previously hosted events displaying Van Gogh, Claude Monet and other well-known artists. Comparatively, this exhibition has a twist as it invites you to discover Spanish artist Salvador Dalí’s work in celebration of Spanish Heritage Day.
Let’s take a look inside the exhibit and review the works of the Spanish artist.
Salvador Dalí, otherwise known as the leader of the Spanish “avant-garde,” is considered to be one of the most prolific artists of the 20th century. He gave life to a new artistic technique inspired by psychoanalysis and paranoia-criticism, which all helped paint the surrealist movement.
Seeing that rare sculpture that hasn’t been showcased in 50 years was impressive. In that piece, we learnt that the exhibition was focused on “Divina Dalí,” a collection of works by Dalí inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy.
A green sculpture of a man with yellow leaves on his head, representing Dante, at Brookfield Place on November 4. (CanCulture/Aliya Karimjee)
As we enter ‘Inferno,’ we discover the purpose of this stage: to witness what Evil is and what falling feels like.
A series of surrealistic artworks representing the ‘Inferno’ stage, at Brookfield Place on November 4 (Aliya Karimjee/CanCulture)
This dreamlike space full of symbols features many pieces unfolding the eternal punishments and penalties inflicted on people who are plagued by guilt.
Whether you’re confused about the meaning of a piece or want more information, there is a live tour guide in every room who is happy to explain everything to you. However, if you prefer, you can scan the QR code under the art pieces and learn more about it without socializing. This exhibit is accessible to those with impaired vision who could get a live tour guide to talk them through the exhibition.
As mentioned in the exhibition, the next stage welcomes “Purgatory, the elevation of the mind towards Paradise.”
Multiple works of Dalí are exposed as part of the ‘Purgatory’ stage. (CanCulture/Aliya Karimjee)
Heading into the last stage, we learn how the climb from “Inferno” to “Paradise” reminds humans that they are devoted to light rather than being doomed to darkness. They can see evil yet still free themselves from the restraints of their thoughts, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
This room had decorated windows with more artwork, but the flamenco performance that was taking place there was unforgettable.
The dancer was using her outfit to her benefit: her shawl allowed her to extend her movements as a continuation of her body’s expressions. The ruffled trail also gave the illusion of a nice elongated figure.
Throughout the exhibit, you see the Dalí's work and perspectives. From Hell, all the way to Purgatory and finally into Heaven, this exhibition will take you on a journey through both Alighieri's and Dalí's creative minds. All the way through the three rooms, atendees will learn that despite the evil, one can choose to focus on the positive and hope; basically looking at things as a glass half full rather than empty.
The exhibition has a backdrop advertising the event and a telepoeme booth showing Dalí’s words and inspiration at Brookfield Place on November 4. (CanCulture/Aliya Karimjee)
Overall, this exhibition was a great way to appreciate Spanish heritage through live music, flamenco and with the art of an amazing Spanish artist. You can still experience Divina Dalí in Brookfield Place until December 17.