I have always been a big fan of Salvador Dali's work. He is definitely on the strange side, but I love his fearless approach to art. The Burning Giraffe has been a favorite of mine since a series of conversations revolving around Dali with a teacher of mine in high school. We came to the conclusion that the blue haze throughout the painting makes it feel almost like a dream sequence showing the many weaknesses in society. For example, the crutches holding each of the figures up illustrate the instability of society. The figure in the foreground also seems to have lost it's face, has opened many empty drawers from its chest and leg, and appears to be reaching out to something, showing a loss of and yearning for identity. The burning giraffe in the background of the painting, which Dali considered to be a premonition of war, can be seen in a few of Dali's other paintings. Humans shown as drawers or crutches are also common threads in much of his work. I really enjoy the way each piece of the painting is emphasized in its own way without removing attention from the rest of the work. The painting is dark in color and rough in texture, evoking emotions of sadness and frustration. Despite the slight bend in its waist, the figure in the foreground creates a vertical axis that balances the painting well and allows each element to be emphasized. Although it is a bit on the depressing side, I really enjoy The Burning Giraffe and wish Dali were still alive so I could pick his brain about it.
