Miami Beach, FL – November 19, 2020 – The Art Plug (a.k.a. Marcel Katz) debuted the first-ever Salvador Dalí Sculpture Museum at The Confidante Miami Beach during a socially-distant VIP viewing, supported by beverage partners Stella Artois, E11EVEN Vodka and El Tequileño. The 8-week art exhibition (Nov. 20 – Jan. 17), ‘The Real Surreal,’ curated by Marcel Katz in partnership with Bertrand Epaud, the official US representative of Dalí Universe bronze collection, features a collection of rare and treasured modern paper works and bronze small-to-large-scale museum sculptures by arguably one of the most famous figures in art history: world-renowned Spanish Surrealist icon Salvador Dalí.

As a true cultural embracement of our community, the evening began with ‘Riot Rides.’ The group of kids who make up this supportive community of bike life riders came out to show their support and were seen energetically riding throughout the streets of Miami Beach wearing Dalí masks. Following the two exclusive evening Dalí showings, VIP guests were also granted access to marvel The Confidante Miami Beach’s refreshed Rotating Local Art Exhibit curated by The Art Plug with local art by Nico Suave, Nick Cruz, Tiago Magro, Grabster, Lefty Out There, ABVA, MindOfWij, Haiiileen, and The Art Plug himself. The highlight piece of the night and exhibit was the iconic 800-pound, standing 10ft. tall Dalí sculpture, Saint George and The Dragon; the sister piece of the rare Dalí sculpture is owned by Pope John Paul II as part of the Vatican’s private collection. Ticket pricing will be waved for all students, teachers and frontline workers with a valid ID. To purchase tickets: click here.

World Red Eye went behind the scenes with The Art Plug for an exclusive first look at ‘The Real Surreal’ and discussed what guests can expect from this iconic, one-of-a-kind exhibit. Read the full Q&A below.

By Gaby Cuevas

WRE: How did your partnership with Bertrand Epaud first start?

Marcel Katz: It first started when I received a phone call from French NY-based art consultant and Dali expert, Bertrand Epaud, back in 2017, where he expressed interest in having me represent the Dalí Bronze Collection. I honestly wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I even thought he might have had the wrong number. Several phone calls and meetings later, traveling to and from Miami to New York City, we signed an agreement which granted myself authorization to broker pieces directly from the Dalí Universe. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to represent a true master and work with Bertrand Epaud, on this historically surreal art exhibition!

WRE: You are known for organizing some of the most extravagant experiential art events in unique locations across the city. Why did you choose The Confidante as the location for this exhibit?

MK: The Confidante Miami Beach hotel is a historic and classic hotel, located in the very heart of Miami Beach. Dating back to the 1940’s, during the time when Dalí was such a prominent figure in the art world, the hotel seemed to be the utmost perfect fit for this exhibit to live in. The hotel has a retro-glam identity and has long showcased the work of many different local artists with their rotating local art exhibit and permanent installations. When I first walked into the hotel, my initial thoughts were, ‘Dalí would have loved to experience this hotel today.’ Just out back of the hotel by the pool there’s a massive vibrant mural painted by prominent Miami artist, Lebo. When I saw it, I immediately thought of Dalí’s Triumphant Elephant sculpture. The flamingos painted in Lebo’s mural resemble the Triumphant Elephant as both are large animals on such lightly fragile standing legs, emphasizing the contrast between robustness and fragility. The Confidante Hotel just seemed to be the perfect complement to Dalí’s work, and I couldn’t imagine a better location to invite guests to experience the world of Dalí with all of their senses.

WRE: What made you gravitate towards curating an entire exhibition around Salvador Dalí, specifically?

MK: During a time where things are so surreal, I felt it made sense to exhibit the master of surrealism, Salvador Dalí himself. Bertrand and I have curated this show specifically to address this period in time, in efforts to promote a more positive and hopeful outcome for humanity. I wanted to make a statement. I knew Basel was canceled, but we didn’t want culture to fizzle out. I felt this was a great opportunity to show what our generation is truly capable of. Together, the Dalí Universe, The Confidante Miami Beach, and I, wanted to make an impact and ‘Break Basel.’ Overall, this is my job. As a guardian of the arts, we have to ensure the preservation of culture and creativity.

As guardians of the arts, we have to ensure the preservation of culture and creativity.

Marcel Katz

WRE: What can guests expect at ‘The Real Surreal’ exhibit?

MK: Inside ‘The Real Surreal,’ guests will have an immersive opportunity to experience the world of Dalí with all of their senses. The touch-free art exhibition features a collection of treasured paperwork and bronze small-to-large-scale museum sculptures, including the iconic ‘Saint George and The Dragon,’ a 10-foot standing 1,000-pound sculpture, in which one of the rare sculpture editions is owned by Pope John Paul II as part of the Vatican’s private collection. The edition on display at ‘The Real Surreal’ is the 7th edition, the last edition ever to be made, (lucky #7), and represents the good luck and good fortune that 2021 will bring. Also on display at the exhibit, a recreation of the 10-foot Dalí Egg sculpture that crowns the Dalí museum in Figueres, Spain, symbolizing the rebirth and prosperity of 2021.

Guests can also expect to see installations, activations, and basically art everywhere — indoors, outdoors, and even on the ceilings and in mural form, all throughout the hotel. There will also be educational videos, interactive animated face filters, and an offered curated music experience via Spotify. We also teamed up with The Confidante to curate their three-year standing Rotating Local Art Exhibit throughout the first floor of their hotel, featuring a collection of surrealist-inspired pieces by incredible South Florida artists. For the safety of all exhibit guests, the gallery will be sanitized between showings and sanitation stations will be available throughout the property.

WRE: What do you hope people will take away from this exhibit?

MK: I believe that art is for everyone and I hope this exhibit can really relate to anyone and everyone. This is art for the new generation and the old generation, and art should be looked at as more than just an object. Art helped me push through times in my life that were difficult. Art gave me a safe and creative outlet to express myself. I want people to see hope and inspiration in their futures and our future as a whole. It’s important to note, we’re also offering free tickets to tour the exhibit to frontline workers, students, teachers, and anyone who’s involved in making a contribution to our community as such. I believe art should help everyone and should be a concept accessible to everyone.

WRE: Salvador Dalí is arguably one of the most well-known artists of all time. How does his work personally inspire you?

MK: I find I can relate to Dalí in many different ways. Dalí once said, “I don’t do drugs. I am drugs.” During the counterculture revolution of the sixties, Dalí looked around and saw everyone on some kind of high. Dalí realized he only needed himself to get ‘high,’ i.e. to reach other levels of consciousness. Several decades later, we find ourselves in a similar predicament. Everyone seems to be on some kind of high off their phones, media, remedies and other outside influences that have infiltrated our “norm.” Personally, I like to also think of myself as my own drug, that which I take every day. Much like Dalí, I am my own motivation for my creativity and my art. I don’t need anything outside of myself to verify it.

Much like Dalí, I am my own motivation for my creativity and my art. I don’t need anything outside of myself to verify it.

Marcel Katz

WRE: It’s not every day that someone is recognized as the youngest authorized art dealer of Salvador Dalí. How did you achieve this?

MK: I believe that being authentically and unapologetically yourself is the key to success. People can sense authenticity and they also crave it. I felt by expressing myself and my views to those around me I could create a movement. I was noticed by some of the most established traditional curators, dealers and artists in the industry, which lent me a great deal of support in such an old sport. I found that honesty was the best policy, and although I did make a handful of mistakes along the way, I owned them and learned from them. I was able to curate shows no one else could dream of. Bertrand saw the light in me, believed in me. By maintaining that relationship, I proved myself to him and he introduced me to the Dalí Universe.

WRE: What is your favorite Dalí piece?

MK: The St. George and the Dragon and the Triumphant elephant are my two favorite pieces! These particular pieces resonate with me on a deeper level because they represent humanity overcoming the obstacles we have faced this past year. As we progress into 2021, these pieces accurately depict where we are headed. We will slay evil and triumph to unified glory. 2020 marks the new renaissance.

WRE: What’s in store for the future of ‘The Real Surreal’ once the exhibit ends January 17th?

MK: Here’s a little inside scoop for you… Once this exhibit concludes January 17, 2020, we will be launching an even bigger immersive and heightened experience! I don’t want to give away too many details on what’s to come, but I will again be co-curating this new project with Bertrand Epaud, in collaboration with the Dalí Universe …. Surprise!