The artwork “Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea Which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln – Homage to Rothko (first version)” by Salvador Dali, created circa 1974 – 1975, is a complex piece that represents a blend of two major art movements: Op Art and Surrealism. As a portrait genre artwork, this piece is indicative of Dali’s continuous exploration into the realms of perception and the unconscious.
This artwork features a nude figure from behind, believed to be Dali’s wife Gala, standing before a vast, pixelated backdrop that, when observed from a distance, morphs into the visage of Abraham Lincoln. Dali has masterfully used a mosaic of varied tones and colours to craft this dual illusion. The foreground is dominated by this figure, directing the viewer’s gaze towards the luminescent sea scape that forms the central part of the pixellation effect.
Surrounding the figure are elements that exhibit a tranquil and reflective ambiance, enhanced by the meticulous details and the surreal aspect that Dali is renowned for. The artwork plays with the concept of dual images – the intimate portrait of a woman juxtaposed with the larger, historical figure represented by the pixels. This juxtaposition of intimacy with grandeur, the micro with the macro, and the blend of abstract qualities with realism showcases Dali’s virtuosity and his intention to engage with the observer’s visual perception and imagination.
