Salvador Dali show in Winnipeg 'totally fun, kooky and weird'

Salvador Dali has landed in Winnipeg.

And it's the silly season at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. 

The WAG gave a sneak preview Wednesday of Dali Up Close and its other major show opening Sept. 27, Masterworks from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

Dali Up Close features major works by the famed Spanish surrealist, including the "massive and rarely travelled Santiago El Grande." 

Looking very much like the artist himself, WAG director and CEO Stephen Borys couldn't contain his excitement. 

"It feels totally fun, kooky and weird," he said. "Because Dali is probably the most bizarre artist of the 20th century and he's here in Winnipeg really for the first time. So it's pretty exciting for the WAG and I think it's great for all Winnipeggers."

The WAG said one ticket will give visitors access to both shows. 

"Masterworks from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, which is currently touring North America, provides a window into Lord Beaverbrook's aesthetic sensibility, collecting motives and the integral relationship between his life in England and his Canadian heritage," said Terry Graff of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. "We are delighted and very proud to present one of Canada's greatest national cultural treasures to audiences at the WAG."

Both exhibitions are to open 8 p.m. at Nuit Blanche Winnipeg, the city's annual all-night celebration of the arts, and run until Jan. 25, 2015.