Others believe Dalí’s melting clocks are a symbol for Albert Einstein’s groundbreaking Theory of Relativity, while some art historians attribute Dalí’s inspiration to a much simpler moment: when the artist watched cheese melt in the sun. The Persistence of Memory (Spanish: La persistencia de la memoria) is a 1931 painting by artist Salvador Dalí, and one of his most recognizable works. Consider a sun-dial, pendulum clock with roman numerals, pocket watch, or even a vintage wrist-watch design if you love the classics. It is always grounded by an elemental presence like an old withered tree or ancient cliffs in the distance.

An ambiguous work of art, often interpreted as an evocation of mortality as it exists between lovers; Torres’ partner contracted AIDS, which at the time of his diagnosis was little understood, difficult to treat, and often fatal. Time and direction are significant factors in life; A compass tattoo usually points to the direction the individual considers “home,” or the direction of a particular place or person.If you have a specific time you want your tattoo to showcase, this is the perfect kind of clock to tattoo for you. In combination with clock tattoos, you can personalize a romantic and classy piece that epitomizes a significant love in your life. The time is a personal addition, and individuals with clock tattoos often choose a special time significant to them. When getting a chest tattoo, you don’t necessarily need to have a symbolic reason for getting the tattoo.

Striking, original, with the capacity for seriousness, an eye and clock tattoo is an excellent choice for realism lovers. Clock tattoos can work well anywhere on the arms, but especially on the upper arms or biceps, where the tattoo can highlight the muscles and shape of the arm. It is possible to recognize a human figure in the middle of the composition, in the strange "monster" (with much texture near its face, and much contrast and tone in the picture) that Dalí used in several contemporary pieces to represent himself– the abstract form becoming something of a self-portrait, reappearing frequently in his work. Some of these sculptures are the Persistence of Memory, the Nobility of Time, the Profile of Time, and the Three Dancing Watches. The Persistence of Memory ( Catalan: La persistència de la memòria) is a 1931 painting by artist Salvador Dalí and one of the most recognizable works of Surrealism.

An artist famously inspired by memory, a central theme of Bourgeois’ work is the recounting of her early years. Any revealed mechanisms make for an ideal steampunk design (think bold lines paired with gold and gray colors to complete this tattoo). The melting watch, one of Dalí’s most powerful and potent motifs, continued to play an important role in his art.

The Persistence of Memory (1931) is one of the most iconic and recognizable paintings of Surrealism.If conventional clocks aren’t for you, but you still want to convey the passing of time – consider an hourglass. If you have a specific time in mind for your tattoo, consider using something different like a digital clock or watch face. A clock tattoo can symbolize life or death, time passage, time pressures, life and existence, mortality, infinity, and even eternal love. Our waking hours had been documented in art since time immemorial, so at the turn of the 20th century, artists of all descriptions began delving into our dream state, a world that newfangled cameras could never capture. You can find clocks used in literature, art, and films throughout the world, leaving endless options for your next design.

One of Torres’ most famous works Untitled (Perfect Lovers) has inspired many homages from other artists, and appeared in exhibitions all over the world. However, if you have a specific date or time that means something to you, then placing the image over your heart may make it that much more special. One can observe that the creature has one closed eye with several eyelashes, suggesting that the creature is also in a dream state.

This miniature 24x33cm work is now perhaps the most famous surrealist work in history and the fact it still asks more questions than it answers is perhaps why.