The Lobster Telephone (Aphrodisiac Telephone), created by surrealist artist Salvador Dali in 1936, is a sculpture combining an ordinary object with an unexpected organic element. The artwork is a classic example of Surrealism, a movement that sought to explore the unconscious mind and blend the realms of dream and reality. Constructed primarily from plaster, this piece is part of the Lobster/Aphrodisiac Telephone series and resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra, Australia.
The artwork features a black telephone with a rotary dial, characteristic of the era in which it was made. A large lobster, realistically rendered and painted in natural colors, replaces the telephone’s receiver. The sculpture conveys a sense of incongruity, which is further emphasized by the unconventional combination of forms and materials. The lobster’s claws extend on either side, reaching towards the phone, while the handset cord appears to casually drape over the shell. Each element of the lobster is detailed, contributing to the overall tactile and visual interest of the piece. This juxtaposition of the everyday device with a marine crustacean provokes thought about the relationship between the ordinary and the surreal, as well as the connection between food, sexuality, and communication, themes often explored by Dali in his work.
