The artwork, “Poster for Eurovision -1969,” is a remarkable creation by the renowned artist Salvador Dali. Crafted in 1969, it epitomizes the Surrealist art movement, a domain in which Dali was undeniably a pivotal figure. The genre of the artwork is design and poster, and it was conceived to represent the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest in that year.
The artwork is a compelling collage of imagery and text, combining elements of time, the human gaze, and symbolic representations that are typical of Dali’s enigmatic style. At the center is a clock with its hands approaching midnight, possibly signifying the impending event or the anticipation of a transformative moment. The clock’s face is merged with a human eye, suggesting the watchful attention of the viewer or the pervasive nature of time in human experience.
Around the core image, the words “TVE PRESENTA” announce that the Spanish national broadcaster, TVE, is presenting the event. The phrase “DESDE EL TEATRO REAL DE MADRID” below the eye indicates that the event originates from the Royal Theater in Madrid, thus situating the event within a specific cultural context. At the bottom of the artwork is a row of figures, resembling paper dolls or puppets, which seem to reflect the diverse array of participants that the Eurovision contest is known for.
Dali’s work is characterized by the juxtaposition of disparate objects and themes, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that challenges perceptions of reality. This poster is no exception, as it layers the functional purpose of event promotion with quintessential surrealist elements, embodying the artist’s signature manipulation of symbols and reality.
