The artwork “Ampurdanese Yang and Yin” by Salvador Dali, created in 1936, is a quintessential expression of the Surrealist movement, which aimed to unlock the creative potential of the subconscious mind. It falls within the genre of landscape, yet it transcends the traditional confines of that genre by incorporating symbolic and dream-like elements, which is characteristic of Dali’s iconic style.
The artwork presents a desolate and somewhat somber landscape under a vast expanse of sky that dominates the composition. In the sky, we observe what appears to be a trail of clouds, perhaps morphing into a more solid form as they move upward, which adds a sense of dynamism and transformation. The ground is barren, shaded in dull tones that create a feeling of emptiness and stillness. The horizon is low, giving the sky a vastness that amplifies the artwork’s dream-like quality.
Emblematic of the title, a focal point of the piece is the curious formation of objects resembling two elongated drops or perhaps gourds, situated near the bottom. Their white, reflective surfaces stand in stark contrast to the surrounding environment, drawing the viewer’s eye towards them. Their positioning and shape seem to be a deliberate reference to the concept of yin and yang—a symbol of dual forces in harmony, suggesting a deeper philosophical meaning or seeking to illustrate the balance of opposites that is central to many of Dali’s works. The overall effect is one of surreal juxtaposition, as the ethereal merges with the corporeal, challenging the viewer’s perception and urging a contemplation of deeper universal truths.
