Salvador Dalí’s surreal world comes to Albania: the first major exhibition of his work

For the first time in Albania, the iconic works of surrealist painter Salvador Dalí will be showcased in a groundbreaking exhibition at Naan Gallery. The exhibition, titled “Sogno Divino” (Divine Dream), opens today, December 5th, and will run until February 12, 2025. It will feature 100 original works by Dalí, including pieces that illustrate Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy—a monumental literary work that has inspired Dalí’s artistic vision.

Curated by Zef Paci and Ajola Xoxa, “Sogno Divino” offers a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts in Albania to experience the genius of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The exhibition will be open daily, except for Mondays, at Naan Gallery, which has become a key venue for contemporary art in the country.

Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) was a multifaceted artist, renowned not only for his paintings but also for his work in sculpture, film, graphic arts, animation, fashion, and photography. His creative genius extended across various mediums, often collaborating with other artists and exploring a range of artistic expressions. Dalí was also a prolific writer, penning poetry, autobiographies, essays, and critiques. 

Dalí’s works are deeply rooted in themes such as dreams, the subconscious, sexuality, religion, science, and his personal relationships. His most famous painting, The Persistence of Memory (1931), featuring melting clocks in a barren landscape, is one of the defining images of Surrealism, a movement he helped to shape. 

Dalí’s eccentric personality and his provocative public persona often overshadowed his art. His flamboyant behavior, mustache, and insistence on public attention made him a media sensation, contributing to his lasting legacy as both an artist and a cultural icon. Beyond Surrealism, Dalí’s influence extended to the Pop Art movement and contemporary artists such as Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst.

In addition to his impact on art, Dalí’s life and work have been the subject of numerous books, films, and exhibitions worldwide. This exhibition in Albania provides a unique chance for the public to delve into his surrealist vision, offering a glimpse into the depths of his creativity and the provocative ideas that shaped his extraordinary career.