The Daily Dali

"Portraits" by Alexander Calder

Jerry Bengis — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 03:02:18 GMT

Get yourself to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC this summer to see Alexander Calder's Portraits: A New Language. This exhibit of remarkably executed wire images runs through August 14, 2011.

Calder executed portraits of many entertainers, artists and athletes by bending and twisting wire, an unusual material for portraiture, to depict their character and spirit. Babe Ruth, Josephine Baker and many other personalities were thus portrayed beginning in the 1920s.

The suspended portraits move freely and are exhibited along with contemporary caricatures, drawings and photos, giving us a fuller picture of 10th century American culture.

If you want to know more, get Calder’s Portraits by Barbara Zabel.

Hang a Calder colorful Calder lithograph on your wall, check out our offering of lithographs by Alexander Calder.

You don’t need to deprive yourself of the enjoyment Calder’s work if you’re spending your summer on the west coast. An exhibit of Calder’s kinetic sculptures is at the Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach, California until September 4, 2011. About 30 of Calder’s works are exhibited along with the work of seven contemporary artists who revisit Calder’s aesthetic in their own work.

To read by the pool - The Essential Alexander Calder by Howard Greenfeld.

Picasso: Guitars 1912-1914, at the Museum of Modern Art

Jerry Bengis — Mon, 30 May 2011 01:53:00 GMT

If you are going to be in New York before June 6th (or can get there), then make some time to see Picasso: Guitars 1912-1914, at the Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition covers Picasso’s guitar-themed work beginning with Bottle, Guitar, and Pipe from the fall of 1912, oil on canvas work with the feel of a collage. Later in the fall of 1912, Picasso created Guitar, Sheet Music, and Glass, a collage of newspaper, sheet music and painted paper. Guitar from early 1913 is a Cubist collage which hints at a guitar.

A century ago Picasso’s work made a lot of people angry; it was seen as proof of the decline of European culture – foreign to the concepts of “real” art – beauty and idealism.

A paperboard guitar and a later metal version of it are the center points of the exhibit. Picasso never exhibited it during his lifetime. On his death in 1973 he left it to MoMA.

The exhibit includes about seventy collages, constructions, drawings, mixed-media paintings, and photographs from more than thirty collections worldwide, some of these pieces may never be exhibited publicly again.

View a slideshow of the exhibit at http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/02/11/arts/design/20110211-picasso.html

Images of guitars appear in Picasso's later works such as The Minstrels, 1930, pochoir after the original. Click to see this and other works by Picasso in our online gallery.

If you can’t get to the exhibit, get Picasso: Guitars 1912-1914 by Anne Umland

Destino, Disney and Dali

Jerry Bengis — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 06:42:00 GMT

Salvador Dali’s early work attracted the attention of creative people in many fields. He created a lobster-print dress for Elsa Schiaparelli and a “costume for the year 2045” for Christian Dior. His interest in film led him to collaborate on a number of films including Spellbound with Alfred Hitchcock.
In 1945-46 Salvador Dali and Walt Disney began collaboration on a Destino, a short film which would not be completed for nearly sixty years. After eight months of work by Dali and Disney studio artist John Hench, the project was put on hold, presumably because of studio financial concerns during World War II. Hench had produced 17 seconds of footage involving two tortoises in hopes of kindling enough interest to get the project completed.
While working on Fantasia 2000 in 1999, Walt Disney’s nephew Roy found the shelved project, including the original story boards with Dali’s Surrealist work. He enlisted Disney Studios France to resurrect and complete the film. The finished product, a film of about six minutes, is the work of a team of twenty five animators working from Dali and Hench’s story boards, the journal’s of Dali’s wife Gala and guidance from John Hench. Hench’s original 17 second clip is included in this work of traditional and computer animation produced by Baker Bloodworth and directed by French animator Dominique Monfréy and set to music by Mexican composer Armando Dominguez adapted by Michael Starobin.
Disney’s 2008 press release describes the film as “a first-hand example of Disney’s interest in avant garde and experimental work in animation, Destino was to be awash with Dali’s iconic melting clocks, marching ants and floating eyeballs.”
Destino has been shown as part of the Dali and Film exhibit which has been at the Tate Modern from as part of the Dalí exhibit at the LA County Museum of Art, and at an exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art called Dalí: Painting and Film, as well as at an exhibit at the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Disney released Destino as a special feature on the Fantasia & Fantasia 2000 Special Edition Blu-ray released on November 30, 2010. If you simply can’t wait to get the Fantasia DVD, YouTube has a “demo copy” of the film running in several variations. Destino is a love story, go watch it. You’ll love it too.
And then watch Spellbound and Dali’s surreal dream sequence.

New Dali Museum Opens

Jerry Bengis — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:50:00 GMT

As a life long fan and collector of Salvador Dali it is exciting to see that his art is more popular than ever.

The celebration of the opening of the new Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida was a thrilling, weeklong affair from January 11 to January 18. It included celebrities such as Susan Sarandon, Spanish royalty and a surreal parade from the old building to the new and numerous parties. It has been 29 years since I welcomed the original museum to St. Pete in 1982 and met Eleanor and A. Reynolds Morse for the first time.

The new location on Tampa Bay is visually awesome and structurally sound enough to withstand a category 5 hurricane. The substantially larger building can show all 96 paintings in the collection and a large portion of the watercolors, sculpture, drawings and graphics. The museum, an homage to Dali’s style, is fantastic. The building is a concrete trapezoid wrapped in an undulating wave of glass and steel. Yann Weymouth, the architect was, in part, inspired by the Dali Teatro-Museo in Figueres, Spain, which is topped by Buckminster Fuller geodesic domes. In St. Petersburg there is a curving dome which Weymouth calls the “Glass Enigma”.It is composed of 1,062 glass triangles, no two of which are identical. Inside, the soaring spiral staircase of solid concrete is a nod to Dali’s fascination with the double- helical structure of DNA.

The collection in St. Pete was donated by the Morses who accumulated an astounding amount of art from Dali in the course of their 45 year relationship with him. The Florida museum rivals the original Dali Museum in Figueres, Spain in every way.
Brenda and I enjoyed the Opening events as well as the Closing fantastical party entitled “Suenos de Dali”, which was a whimsical, surreal affair. I’ve included some photos of the events and the museum.

Art Basel 2010

Jerry Bengis — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:44:00 GMT

Art Basel 2010 was a roaring success! A record $3,000,000.00 was paid for a Wifredo Lam painting from Cernuda Gallery.

Art, fashion and celebrity all merged during Art Basel making it the most exciting place to be the first week in December!! The Gagosian Gallery, as always, made quite a splash with Rauschenberg, Jeff Koons and other major works. Larry Gagosian hosted a number of prestigious events not the least of which was an evening at the W hotel. On December 2 Larry invited guests to a cocktail party and reading of the latest novel by Steve Martin (An Object of Beauty) which was followed by a star studded dinner. As Martin is an avid art collector and good friend of Gagosian, the invitees were collectors, celebrities and artists including Ben Stiller, Lance Armstrong and Julian Schnabel.

We’ve included a few of the memories we enjoyed during the exciting, daunting and exhausting week of Art Basel. The photos include an amusing and surreal sculpture by Robert Williams of a Gigantic Stamp collector shown at the Tony Shafrazi Galler, super sized images of Marilyn Monroe and John Lennon by Alex Guofeng Cao of China Square Gallery and a photo of our first meeting with the incredible Julian Schnabel, and a view of Acquavella’s booth of contemporary art including Jim Dine, Andy Warhol and a Robert Indiana sculpture.

While the ancillary fairs (Art Miami, Red Dot, Art Asia etc.) presented many up and coming emerging artists, the mainstay of the Art Basel Fair were the established 20th century icons such as Picasso, Dali, Matisse, Man Ray, Miro and Chagall.

Lotus House "Heart Happening" A great Success

Jerry Bengis — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 05:09:00 GMT

The annual Lotus House art auction (handled by Sotheby’s) with all proceeds going to The Lotus House Shelter for women in Miami. This affair was held at the Martin Margulies Art Warehouse in the Wynwood Art District in Miami. We were fortunate to have our 7 year old grand daughter here with us and she had a ball. Here are a few photos we took at the "Heart Happening". Watch this video...

Brenda & Lexi curl on up on a sculpture by Tony Smith.

Brenda & Lexi pose in front of a sculpture by Gilles Barbier at Heart Happening 2010.

Lexi and Brenda ride on a sculpture by George Segal.

New Acquisition Erte Gouaches - The Patriots

Jerry Bengis — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:41:00 GMT

We just acquired The Patriots, a set of three original gouaches by Ertéfrom 1968. They are signed by Erte on the front. We understand there were two sets of “Patriots” and the girl was very similar-the guys were different. For more information and additional images check out our Gallery Special page .

Help the Lotus House at the Most Exciting Event of the Year

Jerry Bengis — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 23:16:00 GMT

Don't miss the most exciting event of year!
Join us in making a difference.

Friday Night - October 22, 2010
at
The Margulies Art Warehouse
591 NW 27th Street, Wynwood

Get your tickets today!
Call 305-365-2478 or visit www.lotushouseshelter.org

Don't Just See Art - BE IT!

Performance Art
Live Auction by Sotheby's
Silent Auction of Incredible Works

Chef's Tastings from Miami's Finest: Buena Vista Deli, Cafeina Wynwood Lounge, Hearts of Palm, Jimmy'z Kitchen, Latin Café on the Beach, Lido at The Standard Hotel, Lost & Found Saloon, Mama Jo's Chicken, Mercadito, Sakaya Kitchen, Sra Martinez, StevieCakes, The Cuisine Marines, Yuga

ALL proceeds benefit the Lotus House Women's Shelter!

Sponsorships are still available!! Please call 305-365-2478

Print event flyer

Hope to see you at the Lotus House Heart Happening on October 22nd,

Escher and Cassatt Exhibits Open at the Boca Raton Museum of Art

Jerry Bengis — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:37:00 GMT

Marc Bell and daughter, Brenda Bengis, Rock J. Walker, Margie and George Bolge On January 19th we attended the opening of the M C Escher and Mary Cassatt exhibits at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. The exhibit is the collaborative effort of Rock Walker who has the rights to M.C. Escher and has the largest collection of Escher in the world and Marc Bell who funded the exhibit and is a collector of Escher. We also enjoyed an excellent exhibit of rare works on paper by Mary Cassatt. George Bolge is Executive Director of the Boca Raton Museum of Art.
Jerry and Brenda Bengis and Rock J. Walker Marc Bell, Rock J. Walker and George Bolge	Jerry Bengis and George Bolge

"Great Pictures from Art Basel" Miami Beach 2009

Jerry Bengis — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:30:00 GMT

For the Love of Art

Jerry Bengis — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:30:00 GMT

"Walking into power art couple Jerry and Brenda Bengis' Coral Springs home is the ultimate treat for any art aficionado. The walls ore lined with their superb collection of Dalis, Chagalls, Boteros, Picassos, Braques, Man Rays, and sculptures by Tolla, Wegner, and Arman, to name a mere few. Look up and you'll see a melting Dali clock, look down and you'll bump into a Wifredo Lam. The couple has been acquiring art with a ferocious spirit for over thirty years. Spanning over one thousand fine art prints by contemporary and modernmasters, the Bengis' faces light up when we start talking about art..." Read the full article about Brenda and Jerry Bengis which appeared in the July issue of Coral Springs Magazine.

Little Ashes, A New Film About Salvador Dali and Federico Garcia Lorca

Jerry Bengis — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:46:00 GMT

Jerry and Brenda Bengis, internationally recognized collectors and authorities on Salvador Dali will make a special appearance at Sunrise Cinemas Gateway 4 on Friday, June 5, opening night of the new film LITTLE ASHES. Starring Robert Pattinson (Twightlight) as artist Salvador Dali, and Javier Beltran as poet and play write Federico Garcia Lorca, LITTLE ASHES tells the story of the relationship between two of our most treasured artists during the repression and political unrest of pre-Spanish Civil War

The evening begins at 6:00pm. Original works on paper, by Dali, will be displayed in the theatre lobby. Movie goers will have the opportunity to talk with Jerry and Brenda about the art and will have the opportunity to purchase a piece through a silent auction with a percentage of the purchase to be donated to the buyer’s charity of choice. In addition, a private dinner with the Bengis’ and tour of one of the finest Dali collections of graphics in the country will also be auctioned.

Additionally, Jerry will be on hand after the 7:30 p.m. showing of LITTLE ASHES to discuss the artist, and his personal knowledge of Dali and of the film with the audience.

In the midst of the repression and political unrest of pre-Spanish Civil War, eccentric artist Salvador Dalí and renowned poet and revolutionary Federico García Lorca find their artistic and sexual freedom in each other. The two form a bond challenged by their fierce ambitions, they struggle between a love for Spain and a love for each other.

Sunrise Cinema Gateway 4 is located at 1820 East Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. For directions and show times please visit www.sunrisecinemas.com

Romero Britto Exhibit at Coral Springs Museum

Jerry Bengis — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 22:51:00 GMT

Romero Britto is the designated "artist in residence" for the Coral Springs Museum of Art. The Britto exhibit opens this weekend at the museum and will run through May 19, 2009. Brenda and Jerry Bengis hosted a cocktail party at their home in Britto's honor the evening before the May 7th opening at the museum.

The party was a great success.

At MOCA with the Clearwaters

Jerry Bengis — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 01:09:00 GMT

Jerry and Brenda Bengis and Bonnie and Jim Clearwater pose in front of the exhibit, "The Possibility of an Island". Bonnie is the executive director and chief curator of MOCA, a museum of international acclaim.

The Divine Comedy: Exhibit of 100 Wood Engravings by Salvador Dali

Jerry Bengis — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:39:00 GMT

Don't miss this exhibit of 100 wood engravings of Salvador Dali's Divine Comedy. It will run from January 6 - 31, 2009 at the historic Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College. The art is based on The Divine Comedy by Dante, a poem about Virgil's journey through the Inferno into Purgatory and finally to Paradise. I have many individual signed pieces from this suite for sale as well as a rare complete signed set of all 100 pieces.

Contact me at info@daliartweb.com if you are interested in owning any of Dali's Divine Comedy.

Call 305-237-7186 for more information baout the exhibit which is open Tuesday - Friday noon - 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This exhibit is part of the permanent collection of Caixonova.

The photo is of Heaven Canto 21, 1970 wood engraving. This is a rare combination of a wood engraving signed in blue pencil with one of the unsigned etchings done in black and white, framed as one.

The Best of 2008: Coppertone Girl Sign

Jerry Bengis — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:39:56 GMT

On it's Top 10 list of the most important events of 2008, the Sun Sentinel awarded it's number 1 spot to the installation of the refurbished Coppertone Girl sign. "The pigtailed girl with the dog nipping at her bikini bottom had been a bright neon spot in the Miami landscape since appearing on the downtown Parkleigh Building in 1959. When the Parkleigh was torn down in 1992, she moved to Flagler Street. Earlier this year, she started to show her age — and down she came."

"Today, after a $90,000, six-month makeover courtesy of Coppertone parent Schering-Plough, she shines bright once again at 7300 Biscayne Blvd., where she is the centerpiece of a burgeoning architectural district. The MiMo Biscayne Association, which works to preserve and promote...Miami Modern architecture, is now her official guardian."

Good job Fran Rollason, MiMO, Schering-Plough, Tropical Signs and everyone else who contributed time, effort and money to bring her to her home.

Photo on the left is the dog portion of the sign undergoing renovation, all new LED lights were installed.

An American at the Palace of Versailles: Jeff Koons

Jerry Bengis — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:13:00 GMT

A friend shared some of her photos of Jeff Koons' sculptures on display at Versailles. Balloon Flower in the main courtyard and Balloon Dog in the Salon d'Hercule.

The Moon (Light Blue) in the recently restored Hall of Mirrors reflected not the salon and all of the visitors within.

The Hanging Heart (Red/Gold) on the the Queen's Staircase.

Here's a link to the official Versailles site. And don't forget to check out the calendar at Modern Art Calendar for other current exhibits.

Art Auction for Lotus House Shelter

Jerry Bengis — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 03:05:00 GMT

Brenda Bengis with Claudia Potamkin, Cricket Taplin and Bonnie Clearwater. The photo was taken at the Margulies Warehouse (gallery) in Wynwood at a fundraiser for Constance Margulies' charity the Lotus House.

Art can be appreciated and also be a catalyst for change or cathartic for others In the case of Marty and Constance, they re proud to share their vast art collection with others and have some cutting edge art and perhaps one of the finest collections of photography in the world.

Beyond art the Margulies' are commited to the community. Constance created the Lotus House Shelter for Homeless Women and taps into the large network of artists and collectors to help fund this outstanding project in Overtown. The Lotus House is much more than a shelter. It provides the women with art lessons, yoga, cooking lessons, and a chance to appreciate their own self worth. Constance is a dedicated woman, selflessly working for the benefit of women who otherwise have no voice.

Jerry and I admire this amazing couple and support the Lotus House and the Sundari Foundation, Inc.

--Brenda

Romero Britto at Art Basel

Jerry Bengis — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:57:00 GMT

This was during Art Basel--Romero Britto had a showing of his sculptures at the Shops at Midtown Miami--lots of great entertainment--all for charity (National Multiple Sclerosis Society). Jerry and I had a great time at all of the events related to Art Basel this year.

ART NOW

Jerry Bengis — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:36:00 GMT

ART NOW was one of the ancillary shows to Art Basel that ran contemporaneously with Art Basel. The art form was very clever and humorous...the food looks real and luscious, but is also humorous...the flan had artwork depicting the Beatles...and were showcased in what appeared to be a bakery....cute, right?? - Brenda