The artwork titled “Lugubrious Planarian (unfinished)” is a creation of Salvador Dalí dating to approximately 1978. It aligns with the Surrealist movement, which Dalí is renowned for pioneering. The dimensions of this piece are 100 x 99.5 cm, and it falls under the “interior” genre. This piece of art is housed at the Dalí Theatre and Museum in Figueres, Spain, which serves as a repository of many of Dalí’s significant works.
The artwork presents a serene, almost desolate interior space with minimal elements. Featured centrally is a vertical form resembling an elongated teardrop, situated on a pedestal, reminiscent of a surrealist interpretation of a classical sculpture display. The form boasts a reflective eye at its apex, a motif common in Dalí’s oeuvre, symbolizing perhaps a window into a deeper consciousness or realm. Adjacent to this central figure is a similar form, affixed directly to the wall, establishing a dialogue between the two shapes.
A window to the right side provides the only visible connection to the outside world, casting a defined shadow across the room that intersects with the shape of the pedestal and brings sharp geometric contrasts of light and dark to the composition. This lighting effect adds a dramatic mood and draws attention to the play of light and form, which is characteristic of Dalí’s exploration of dreamscapes and the subconscious.
The color palette is muted, with the predominance of browns and beiges, providing a stark background that accentuates the surreal objects. The overall atmosphere is one of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to ponder the enigmatic symbolism and to embrace the surreal experience that Dalí conjures with his masterful and unfinished composition.
