Christina Bui

LMC 2720
GTID: 903158710
cbui6@gatech.edu
Contesting the Meaning of Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali
Persistence of Memory is the iconic image of melting clocks out in the desert painting
by surrealist Salvador Dali. Over the years, many art scholars have tried depicting its
interpreting its meaning which resulted in a variety of different takes on the painting. A
description of the painting on MoMAs website states that it a common interpretation of the
painting is that it is a self-portrait of Dali. The center figure shows a grotesque being,
presumably Dali, that has its eyes closed and its tongue hanging out of its mouth.
Another group believes that Dali is depicting a dream in which the melting clocks
represent the inevitable passage of time. In a dream, the notion of time is rendered
meaningless. There are instances where dreams feel like they span days or even weeks;
however, in reality, only a few hours have actually passed. Additionally, each of the clocks
depicts a different time. You cannot rely on any of them to tell you the correct time.
There is also a group that believes that the painting is a representation of Einsteins
Theory of Relativity. In his theory, Einstein stated that time is very complexed and not
easily recorded. It is difficult to do especially with instruments such as clocks or pocket
watches. The melting clocks represent the futility of measuring time. In the end, time is
fragile man-made concept that can be deconstructed.
Another interpretation involves sarcasm. There are some who believe that Dali was
being sarcastic as he was creating and naming this piece. Since it is an image of melting
clocks, they are the exact opposite of persistent. Instead, it shows time for what it really is:
a fabricated abstract idea that can disappear in a moments notice. Time and the beings that
created and follow it will eventually melt away, turning into nothing but sizzling pools in
the desert sun.
Next there is the interpretation that Persistence of Memory was autobiographical
and that the painting depicted Dalis childhood at Catalonia, Spain. It shows the abandoned
nature of the landscape and its desolate atmosphere. The painting could very well be the
persistence of his childhood memories which influence and maybe even haunt his art.
Finally, there are people who simply take painting for what it is. As one commenter
stated, The Persistence of Memory is about the persistence of memory and even if time
melts away memory goes on.
There are so many different interpretations for the painting most likely because of
the dream-like nature of it. As a surrealist, Im sure it was Dalis intention to make the
paintings meaning ambiguous. Additionally, the symbols in the painting such as clocks and
ants have different meaning in different cultures, and when they are portrayed in the ways
that they have been in the painting, there is another level of nuance that affects how the
painting is perceived. I am sure that there has not been a universally agreed upon take on
 Christina Bui
LMC 2720
GTID: 903158710
cbui6@gatech.edu
Persistence of Memory and that there probably will not ever be, simply because the painting
was masterfully created to be convoluted.