/environmental artist
Dalmau's surrealism grew not only on his canvases but by transforming itself to display in a totally surrealistic environment, underwater.
Dalmau is the creator of the world's first underwater art gallery, Dalmau's ARTificial Reef.
This truly surrealistic endeavor was immediately recognized as a work of art, not only for it's artistic value but for it's contribution to the environment.
This beautifully massive combination of paintings and sculpture would also serve as an artificial reef, enhancing the quality of the water as well as becoming a thriving marine community.
Scuba divers and art enthusiasts were given a surrealistic playground as well as an environmental fantasy, the merger of art and nature. "I created artwork which is what I do, now in it's new home another artist, nature, will collaborate in the metamorphosis of this ongoing exhibit. The colors and texture will come alive as corals, algae and filter feeders grow on the original work." (Louis Dalmau)
An artist's dream, his brush and nature worked together to give us an underwater Art Gallery. Thirty-five tons of rough, culvert pipes were turned into the artist's canvas creating an artistic fantasy under the water's surface along with five concrete sculptured ballerinas that will swim throughout time.
Dalmau a newcomer to the South Florida Art scene was given an incomparable acknowledgment by South Florida Magazine.
Dalmau was featured in the category of art in the 88 for 88 issue.
This tribute was dedicated to 88 outstanding achievers in various categories.
The city of Miami Beach also honored Louis with the key to the city for his unparalleled artwork, and his contribution to the rebirth of the City of Miami Beach and it's surroundings.
Recognition of Dalmau's work gained vast media coverage.
Soon to follow were Television appearances, newspaper and magazine coverage and countless radio interviews.
Dalmau's work was on display in major galleries as well as in public places.
Thirty-five tons of rough, culvert pipes were turned into the artist's canvas.
The pipes, trucks, cranes and manpower were donated by the City of Miami Beach trough the efforts of Mayor Alex Daud.
Delivery at the outdoor area of Dalmau's studio.
Dalmau accepting delivery at the outdoor area of his studio.
Louis explains to Linda Van Buren while filming for a documentary to air on PBS
The ballerinas were cast in concrete with galvanized steel reinforcement.
The pipes were painted with air brush then covered in a special non yellowing marine epoxy.
The finished product must now be transported to a hydraulic barge.
The project is approaching it's final stages.
This was an important day for the member's of the media that covered the project from it's conception.
Here the artwork will be loaded on to the barge. The deployment of the project is the following day.
Here the artwork will be loaded on to the barge. The deployment of the project is the following day.
Louis and photojournalist and renowned under water photographer Flip Shulky. Shulky filmed underwater during the deployment documenting the placement of the art.
The final destination for the artwork was only 16 feet from the shore. A boat was available for the media and the artist to facilitate filming.
The first piece of art is about to submerge in the water. You could hear the barge playfully sounding it's horn and the crowd applauding.
The main diver and underwater supervisor was Richard Kirshen. Louis was honored to have him participate.
The divers in place and splashdown after splashdown, you could see the project coming to life from the adjacent pier.
What started as a dream was becoming a reality before the artist's eyes.
Dalmau's ARTificial reef was finally a reality.
With much appreciation Louis received the Key To the City of Miami Beach.
Thanks to the efforts of Gina Perez, Public Relations coordinator for the project the project received an extensive amount of coverage.
Media Coverage
Louis extending his gratitude to The Newport Holiday Inn. The main monetary sponsor and the host of the all day festivities.
In this final interview Louis thanks all the sponsors that were an integral part of making the project a reality.