The artwork titled “Polyhedron. Basketball Players Being Transformed into Angels (Assembling a Hologram – the Central Element)” was created by renowned Surrealist artist Salvador Dali in 1972. This symbolic painting, a product of the Surrealist art movement, presents a tableau which fuses elements of geometry, transformation, and the ethereal.
Examining the artwork, one can observe a polyhedral structure that serves as the central focus wherein a dramatic transformation appears to be taking place. Figures that suggest basketball players are in the process of metamorphosis into angelic forms within this geometric setting. Dali has masterfully painted the figures in dynamic poses that convey motion and transformation, a hallmark of his imaginative and unconventional artistic style. The ambience of this artwork is underscored by the celestial tones and soft hues that bleed into the polyhedron, enhancing the otherworldly and transcendent theme.
In the background of the artwork, to the left stands a globe that bears an uncanny resemblance to Earth, attached to the main scene by a chain. This could symbolize the connection between the terrestrial and celestial, or perhaps the global nature of sports and human aspiration. On the right side of the artwork, there is an inset picture showcasing what appears to be a straightforward representation of two individuals, adding a layer of realism in stark contrast to the fantastical depiction within the polyhedron. This juxtaposition of imagery may invite reflection on the limits of human potential or the interplay between reality and fantasy. Overall, Dali’s piece is steeped in symbolism and carries the distinctive dream-like quality characteristic of his oeuvre.
