Make a Date with Dali and Friends at Frank's Place

What does a couch shaped like Mae West's lips, a lobster you can make calls on and a table with chicken legs have in common? They're all part of the recently re-jigged AGO's latest exhibition Surreal Things, a collection celebrating the weird, wonderful, whacked-out world of Surrealism.

Debuting in 2007 at London's V & A Museum before showing to sold-out crowds in Europe, Surreal Things touches down in Toronto for its sole North American stop.

Through the quirky collection of paintings, photography, furniture and fashion, the exhibition explores how Surrealism, which began in the parlors of 1920's Paris as a revolutionary movement, influenced everything from advertising and architecture to aesthetics in fashion, design, and performing arts. It documents the surrealist's attempts to challenge perceptions of reality and the movement's eventual commercialization.

Without a doubt, the most enduring face of the movement is Salvador Dali, the Spanish artist who believed his well-oiled moustache was a personal antenna to God. He's represented with two major works: Aphrodisiac Telephone, his crustacean topped telephone said to represent the sexual link between lobsters and telephony (we're waiting for that iphone app) and Mae West Lips Sofa, the Spaniard's homage to Hollywood. Works by surrealist superstars Giorgio de Chirico, Meret Oppenheim, Joan Miro and Max Ernst are also must-sees, many making their North American debut.

Running until August 30, make sure you see Surreal Things this summer, for a slightly skewed point of view.

By Daniel Kuseta

Daniel Kuseta
		About the author:
		Originally from Australia and now based in Toronto, Dan’s on a one-man mission to try (and hopefully taste) the best this city has to offer. Whether it's the latest launch, must-see show or a new take on tamales, follow Dan as he shares his experiences of Toronto with you.
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