Now on view at The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, The Subversive Eye: Surrealist & Experimental Photography from the David Raymond Collection invites visitors to experience photography like never before. This special exhibition, running through May 4, 2025, showcases over 100 works from more than 50 international artists, offering an expansive view of how photography was embraced and transformed by the Surrealist movement—and how its influence extended far beyond Europe.
In his own words, Salvador Dalí described his paintings as “color photography done by hand,” a statement that underscores photography’s deep connection to Surrealism. The exhibit picks up on this idea and brings it to life through experimental photographic techniques that include multiple exposure, unusual perspectives, cropping, and solarization. These methods didn’t just alter images—they changed the way we see the world.
The show includes striking and rare pieces from some of the most influential figures in photography. Dora Maar, known both for her work and her connections to Picasso, is represented by eighteen vintage prints. Visitors will also encounter work by Man Ray, Lee Miller, Eileen Agar, Clarence John Laughlin, and Osamu Shiihara, among many others. From Europe to Japan to the Americas, the exhibition presents a truly global survey of Surrealist and experimental photography.
This exhibition also sheds light on how these artists used their cameras not just to capture images, but to delve into the nature of perception itself. By playing with light, shadow, and composition, they created visual metaphors for emotion, memory, and the unconscious mind. The result is a collection of images that feel at once personal and universal.
Curated by William Jeffett, the museum’s Chief Curator, the exhibit draws exclusively from the collection of David Raymond, a passionate collector who has spent decades acquiring works that challenge and redefine our understanding of the surreal. This marks the first public presentation of his collection in over ten years.
Visiting this exhibit is included with gallery admission, so there’s no need to purchase a separate ticket—just make sure to plan your visit between now and May 4. Reservations are available up to 30 days in advance through the museum’s website.
If you’re planning a group visit, consider turning it into an afternoon of conversation and creativity. After the exhibit, grab coffee or a bite to eat nearby and share what pieces struck you most. It’s a low-key way to turn an art outing into meaningful time with friends.
Resources
https://thedali.org/exhibit/the-subversive-eye/
https://thedali.org/visit/