Celebrating a Centenary of Surrealism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10th May 2004

Dalí Universe exhibition on London’s South Bank prepares surreal celebrations to mark the centenary of Salvador Dalí’s birth on May 11th, 1904.

Marking 100 years since the birth of Salvador Dalí, the 20th century pioneer of contemporary art and world famous surrealist, May 11th is a special day for Dalí enthusiasts. Naturally the Dalí Universe has put together a series of surreal happenings to celebrate the life and times of Salvador Dalí.

Surreal sightings – Photo call and interview location: May 11th 1pm – 1:30pm, Trafalgar Square
Look out for Salvador Dalí in central London! The Dalí Universe has organised a re-enactment of one of Dalí’s grand appearances on May 11th. In memory of Salvador Dalí’s outrageous character, the Dalí Universe has arranged for a Dalí look-alike to tour the streets of London’s West End and City in an open-topped convertible filled with cauliflowers, to mirror Dalí’s grand entrance to a 1955 lecture at the Sorbonne in which his vegetable-inspired vehicle bemused hundreds of awaiting students. ‘Dalí’ and his car will be in Trafalgar Square from 1.00pm – 1.30pm. Photo Call release to follow May 10th

Hello Dalí!
A one man show with actor Tom Jude, taking the audience though the life and times of Salvador Dalí - started at his death ending at his birth. Recently hailed “inspiring and quickwitted” at the Edinburgh Festival. Hello Dalí will be at Dalí Universe during June.

Birthday balloons
Through out the month of May Dali Universe will be giving out Centenary balloons on the South Bank, with a special Dalí centenary card, which entitles the holder to 20% off entry to the Dali Universe exhibition in May.

Surreal, celebrity cake
The Little Venice Cake company have kindly created and donated a Dali inspired cake to the Dali Universe. And on May 11th the first fifty visitors to the Exhibition will be presented with a slice of Dali’s birthday cake. The Little Venice Cake Company are cake makers to the stars, and have made cakes for Madonna, Paul McCartney, Pierce Brosnan and Sir Elton John.

Andrea Pedroni, Managing Director of County Hall Gallery said:

“Often when we think of Salvador Dalí we think of surrealism. But he had many talents and hidden depths; he was a writer, jeweller, stage designer, filmmaker, illustrator, graphic artist and sculptor. Dalí was the first artist to become a living icon, and his art and ideas have transcended generations, and changed the way we look at art. Dalí used his work and lifestyle to inspire and entertain generating mainstream media interest in contemporary art. So in recognition we should celebrate his life and legacy”.

For more information on the Dalí Universe centenary celebrations, interview opportunities, and images please contact Nnenna Oleforo, County Hall Gallery – 020 7450 7619 nnenna@countyhallgallery.com