Dalí and Me

by Catherine Millet

Salvador Dalì’s (1904–89) surrealist paintings such as The Persistence of Memory and The Metamorphosis of Narcissus are internationally beloved for their unforgettable images and eccentric metaphors for the human condition. His lesser-known but equally intriguing writings, on the other hand, are remarkably coarse, describing human bodies and evocations of sexuality with a bewildering mixture of crude realism and naïve simplicity.

Dalì and Me is an account by art historian and controversial author Catherine Millet of a highly personal encounter with the artist’s celebrated paintings and self-reflective writings. One of the first studies of the notoriously idiosyncratic artist’s essays, this revolutionary book reveals all the narcissism, anxiety, and visual genius of the most famous—and infamous—of the surrealists.
Based on years of scrupulous research into Dalì’s life and art yet deeply enriched by Millet’s autobiographical journey, this landmark volume uncovers the reverberations of Dalì’s influence on his friends and contemporaries. In its explorations of both Millet’s and Dalì’s inner workings, Dalì and Me ultimately becomes an argument in book form that personal involvement can be the key to understanding one of the most compelling oeuvres in art history.

 

 

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 10, 2005

About the author

Catherine Millet (b. 1948) is a French writer, art critic, curator, and founder and editor of the magazine Art Press, which focuses on modern art and contemporary art.

Reviews

[M. Sarki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dalí and Me is a very good introduction to the writings of Salvador Dalí and his similar obsessions related to the writer Catherine Millet, who actually never knew him in any way whatsoever except in her imagination, which is basically her point in writing about him. Millet is a smart cookie and proves it with her critical analysis of his writings and art.

The English edition proved to have too many errors, too many wrong words such as "too" for "to" and other common mistakes that proved quite irritating to me. It is unfortunate the publisher did not have better proofreaders in respect of the seriousness of this book. Obviously Millet was at the mercy of her publisher and I doubt she knows a lick of English except maybe the word "fuck". The proofreaders on this assignment were either unfamiliar with the English language or perhaps uncaring enough for doing a good-enough job., It is also possible their spell check software was flawed or did not recognize a correctly spelled word as still being wrong. Very irritating and unnecessary segment of my experience reading Millet who I would have to believe would have wanted her work presented in a more professional manner.

From reading the book I did learn that the moral judgments passed on by the masses played a role both in her own life as it did Dalí's, though Dalí used them in his life as a tool for advertising and building his personal myth. Though I respect Millet, and find her work fulfilling, there are few similarities between she and Dalí, except perhaps for their actual performances outside and off the written page.

[Spellbind Consensus]

"Dalí et moi" (Dalí and I) by Catherine Millet is an intimate and reflective memoir that delves into the author's deep connection with the renowned surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. Millet, a prominent art critic and writer, explores her lifelong fascination with Dalí's work and persona, intertwining her personal experiences and insights with a broader analysis of Dalí's impact on art and culture.

Summary
Overview

In "Dalí et moi," Catherine Millet provides a rich, multifaceted portrait of Salvador Dalí, blending biographical details with her own reflections and interpretations. The book is not just a biography of Dalí but also a personal narrative that reveals how the artist's work and life influenced Millet both professionally and personally. It is a meditation on art, creativity, and the nature of artistic genius.

Structure and Style

The book is structured in a non-linear fashion, with Millet weaving together various episodes from Dalí's life, her own experiences, and her reflections on art and creativity. This approach mirrors the surrealist nature of Dalí's work, creating a tapestry of interconnected themes and narratives. Millet's writing is lyrical and evocative, capturing the essence of Dalí's eccentricity and brilliance.

Themes

Artistic Genius and Eccentricity:
Millet delves into the complexities of Dalí's personality, exploring the interplay between his genius and his eccentric behavior. She examines how his unconventional lifestyle and provocative antics were integral to his art and public persona.

Influence and Inspiration:
A significant theme in the book is the influence Dalí had on Millet's own life and work. She reflects on how his art inspired her understanding of creativity and the role of the artist in society. Millet discusses her encounters with Dalí's work from childhood through adulthood, detailing how these experiences shaped her career as an art critic.

Surrealism and Reality:
Millet explores the concept of surrealism, both as an artistic movement and a lens through which to view reality. She discusses how Dalí's surrealist approach challenges conventional perceptions and invites viewers to see the world differently. This theme is woven throughout the book, as Millet draws parallels between Dalí's art and broader philosophical questions about reality and imagination.

Personal Reflections:
The memoir is deeply personal, with Millet sharing her thoughts and emotions regarding her relationship with Dalí's work. She reflects on her own life, including her career, relationships, and personal struggles, and how Dalí's art provided solace, inspiration, and a means of understanding herself and the world around her.

Legacy and Impact:
Millet considers Dalí's legacy in the context of contemporary art and culture. She discusses his lasting impact on the art world, as well as the controversies and criticisms that surrounded his career. Millet reflects on how Dalí's work continues to resonate and inspire new generations of artists and thinkers.

Key Moments

Childhood Encounters with Dalí's Art: Millet describes her early fascination with Dalí's paintings and how they captivated her imagination. These formative experiences set the stage for her lifelong engagement with his work.
Professional Milestones: Key moments in Millet's career as an art critic are highlighted, showing how Dalí's influence permeated her professional life. This includes her work on major exhibitions and publications about Dalí.
Personal Anecdotes: The memoir is peppered with personal anecdotes that reveal Millet's emotional and intellectual connection to Dalí. These stories provide insight into her inner world and her ongoing dialogue with Dalí's art.

Analysis

"Dalí et moi" is a deeply introspective and analytical work that offers a unique perspective on Salvador Dalí through the lens of Catherine Millet's personal and professional experiences. The book's strength lies in its ability to blend biographical details with personal narrative, creating a rich and nuanced portrait of both Dalí and Millet herself.

Millet's reflections on Dalí's art and influence are insightful and thought-provoking, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the artist's significance. Her exploration of surrealism and its implications for how we perceive reality adds a philosophical dimension to the memoir, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of creativity and the role of the artist.

The memoir's non-linear structure and lyrical prose capture the essence of Dalí's surrealist approach, making the reading experience both engaging and reflective. Millet's ability to connect her personal experiences with broader themes in art and culture makes "Dalí et moi" a compelling read for anyone interested in Dalí, surrealism, or the transformative power of art.

Overall, "Dalí et moi" is a beautifully written and deeply personal exploration of Salvador Dalí's impact on one of his most dedicated admirers. Catherine Millet's memoir not only celebrates Dalí's genius but also reveals the profound ways in which art can shape and enrich our lives.