The Idea of an Essay, Volume 2

121 a seemingly snail-paced passing of time and the finiteness that limits everything in its grasp. One clock lays still solid, but covered by ants, suggesting the gradual decay and anxiety associated with time. There lies an undefined figure in the middle of the painting which likely symbolizes the artist himself. The figure resembles a fish abandoned, suffocated, and dead on dry ground without breath. Upon examination, The Persistence of Memory conveys a confusion and merge of the dream world and reality. This painting struggles to understand time’s decaying effects and the perpetual disintegration of all matter. When seen in the light of Christian theology, one can understand time is not limitless, but created with fixed boundaries by the boundless God (Ps. 90:4). The reason time injures all matter is due to the consequences of sin upon this world; all matter is now subject to decay and death following the Curse. For the secular mind, the idea of time and perpetual decay can be numbing and cause the confusion exhibited in Dali’s painting. For the Christian mind, however, this painting presents an in depth look at a common view held by secularists concerning time. It also gives the Christian a new perspective on time and the finiteness of creation. The objection regularly raised asserts paintings such as this espouse surrealistic philosophy and purposefully confuse the recipient(s); because of this intentional misleading, it is not worthy for study. However, as one can see, there is much content relevant to humanity within the painting, and the work can help one better understand the unbeliever’s mind in regards to time and death. The Persistence of Memory is worthy artwork for the educated Christian to benefit from by studying the ideas and conflicts within the work. Christians must begin tearing down the walls that inhibit curious and reflective thought. Whether it be surrealism, Dadaism, or nihilism, there exist remnants of truth and perspectives that are valuable to the Christian walk. In order to effectively communicate the nature of humanity and the nature of this universe, one must be open to all ideas and philosophies regarding them. To be intellectually closed off to specific artwork from differing philosophies hinders the mind from a more complete comprehension of humanity. The Christian should not be afraid to dissect artistic work from differing worldviews, but should embrace this diversity of content, in the goal of furthering knowledge and understanding.