Dalí’s ‘Triumphant Elephant’

After a two-year residency at the iconic d’Arenberg Cube, surrealist artist Salvador Dalí’s masterpiece ‘Triumphant Elephant’ arrived in Rundle Mall in June 2022. As one of the most coveted pieces in the Dalí collection, the three-tonne, six-metre tall sculpture pays homage to the artist’s signature surrealism, subverting the idea of the elephant as a symbol of strength by juxtaposing the immense weight with the fragility of thin joints. Conjuring a sense of otherworldliness as Dalí’s elephant defies the laws of nature moving effortlessly and gracefully, the sculpture was welcomed as an exciting addition to Rundle Mall’s extensive collection of public artwork.

Since 1989, incredible locations such as the ancient city of Matera in southern Italy and luxury shopping precinct Rodeo Drive have hosted this monumental artwork, communicating Dalí’s character, obsessions, fears and passions to thousands of captivated visitors. ‘Triumphant Elephant’ comes from a wider collection of multi-million dollar works on loan from Dalí Universe in Switzerland, with accompanying pieces currently on display at the d’Arenberg Cube.