My First Knowledge of Salvador Dali
In 1965 I was taking a
humanities class which was art and classical music with a wonderful professor.
He went in chronological order in Art History and I remember it so vividly when
he started talking about Surrealism and the first piece shown was Dali's
"Persistence of Memory"--the famous melting clocks.
I couldn't
get this out of my mind and immediately went to NY to try and find a
poster---which I did and also had the great opportunity of seeing the wonderful
man himself at the St. Regis in all his splendor (cane and all). I will never
forget that day.
It took
nearly 12 years before I could afford to buy my first signed lithograph of
Salvador Dali "The Barometer Woman" from the wonderful "Time
Series"--pictured here.
That was the start of my collection which numbered nearly 1100 pieces at its max. To see more of my collection go to my website. If you want to find Modern Art exhibits check out Modern Art Calendar where you can find current and upcoming events as well as books on many Modern and Contemporary artists.
Categories: Persistence of Memory,melting clocks,surrealism,Salvador Dali,Modern Art,Modern Masters,Symbolism,lithographs
Jerry, I love your blog. Because you have so much experience collecting and selling art it's great to have your insights into acquiring and enjoying Modern Art.
Reply to this
I started collecting art a number of years ago but never purchased a Dali confused by the wealth of mixed information about the print market and the concerns with unauthorized works. Just a few years ago I finally dove in and bought a piece. Anxious to have the work authenticated I sought out the world renowned Dali expert, Jerry Bengis. I called Jerry never expecting him to answer the phone. He not only answered the phone but invited me to come personally and he would look at my new Dali. Excited, I took my print to Jerry and he spread the work out on his table. He took a good look at the work and then looked up at me and told me he thought it wasn't authentic. Jerry spent over an hour helping me to understand why he came to his conclusion. Over the next few years I saw Jerry speak on the topic of Dali at galleries on several occasions and have spent countless hours at his private gallery learning everything I can about the extraordinary Dali market. Jerry Bengis is, not only, a precious source of so much information on Salvador Dali, he has also become a priceless friend. Jerry needs to be protected and promoted for the sake of the future of the Dali print market.
Reply to this
My wife and I first met Jerry at an Art Show in Miami many years ago. We have collected a variety of different artists and this time we were looking at a Miro, but were unsure. We found Jerry to both friendly and knowledgeable. It didn't take long before we became friends with Jerry and his wife. We spent much time in his home and in his private gallery. Over the years he learned our taste in art, but also provided much education. He even showed us pieces in his possession that he had acquired that he used as to show of how many people are making copies of the masters and to be careful. I would take pieces that I would acquire to him for authentication, because I knew he could tell the real from the fake. I think we have done pretty well over the years, with only one questionable piece that was said to be a Picasso, but Jerry told us it was probably a copy. I know about the recent information in the art market and the things you might read about Jerry Bengis, but he has always been honest in his dealings with me. I have purchased probably 30+ pieces of art from him over the years. Jerry, has assured me, as well as, as all of his customers and friends, that if anything proves to be a bad piece he would make it right. That is what an honest friend and dealer does. My family and I have always valued his and his wife's friendship and will continue to do so.
Reply to this