“Ocell. Peix” is a figurative artwork by Salvador Dali, created during the period of 1927 to 1928. Dali, who was pivotal to the Surrealism movement, infused his pieces with dreamlike and fantastical elements that challenge the conventional perceptions of reality. This artwork is reflective of the Surrealist philosophy, depicting unconventional and enigmatic subject matter that invites viewers into the depths of the subconscious mind.
The artwork presents a surreal and somewhat unsettling landscape. A vast, dark expanse likely represents the sky, within which a pale, orange spherical form — perhaps a sun or moon — hangs, tethered by a dashed line to a cloaked figure. This figure appears to be an amalgamation of bird and fish elements, with a regal, elongated form draped dramatically across the composition. The figure’s avian head peers out from the dark covering, while the body, a blend of muted and earthy tones, transitions into a fish tail, vibrant with splashes of green and red hues.
The creature seems to be in motion, with the dramatic stance and flow of its form suggesting a moment caught in time. While possessing attributes of both bird and fish, the figure defies categorization, embodying the dreamlike and bizarre qualities characteristic of Surrealism. Its existence in such an embrace of the unknown serves as an exploration of the human psyche, identity, and the boundaries of nature as perceived by the Surrealist mind.
