'Salvador Dali: The Late Work'

One of the most unconventional and prolific artists of the 20th century was Salvador Dali. Born in Spain in 1904, he created more than 1,200 oil paintings, drawings, sculptures, theater and fashion designs and book illustrations. He was known for his signature surrealistic style.

Opening at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta on Aug. 7 is an exhibition of Dali's work created between 1940 and his death in 1989. More than 40 paintings, as well as drawings, prints and other items will examine the artist's fascination with science, optical effects and illusionism. His connections to artists of the 1960s and 1970s, such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Willem de Kooning are illustrated.

Beginning in the late 1930s, Dali went through a radical change during which he embraced Catholicism, developed the concept of nuclear mysticism and reinvented himself as an artist.

The exhibition will be divided into three sections. The first includes a selection of vintage photos highlighting his collaborations with photographer Philippe Halsman and some of Dali's earlier works that are associated with the Surrealist movement, from which he was expelled in 1939.

The second portion will introduce Dali's concept of nuclear mysticism. When he became Catholic, he began incorporating religious iconography. One of his most monumental paintings, "Christ of St. John of the Cross," can be seen in this section. Dali has said this image, in which he saw Christ as the atomic nucleus, came to him in a dream.

Other significant artworks in the second section are "Santiago El Grande," "The Madonna of Port Lligat" and illustrations for "Don Quixote."

The final section will trace Dali's work in fashion, illustration, theater, sculpture, jewelry and show a sampling of portraits from American high society. Dali's 1960 film "Chaos and Creation" chronicles the artist's construction of an abstract painting using a motorcycle, popcorn and Pennsylvania pigs.

Also in this grouping, visitors will see "The Sistine Madonna" -- an image of the Virgin and Child superimposed onto a giant photograph of the Pope's ear.

"Salvador Dali: The Late Work" can be seen through Jan. 9, 2011.

The High, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 pm. Thursday; and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors/students, $11 ages 6-17 and free for ages 5 and under. Call 404-733-4444.