“The Feeling of Becoming” is a symbolic painting by the renowned Surrealist artist Salvador Dali, dating back to the year 1930. As part of the Surrealism movement, which sought to channel the unconscious as a means to unlock the power of the imagination, Dali’s artwork typically features dream-like and fantastical elements.
The artwork in question exhibits such characteristics of Surrealism with its enigmatic composition. A grand drape occupies the central space, billowing in an unseen wind, giving the impression of a flowing, almost liquid form. The finesse with which the drape is rendered—the delicate gradations of light and shadow—creates a tactile sensation, suggesting the soft, fine texture of the material.
On the left-hand edge of the drape stands a figure, part of which melds into the folds of the fabric. The figure appears contemplative, almost lost within the swell of the drapery, giving the sensation of transformation or transition, as suggested by the title “The Feeling of Becoming.” The sparseness of the surrounding landscape and the stark contrast of the draped form against the minimalistic background further emphasize the theme of metamorphosis and the exploration of identity.
With its symbolic themes and surreal visual language, this artwork is a testament to Dali’s exploration of the human psyche and the power of the subconscious.
