MENDRISIO.- The Stratton Foundation and the Dalí Universe will exhibit a sculpture dedicated to the renowned artist and master of surrealism, Salvador Dalí. For the 2009 world championship in Mendrisio, Switzerland, an imposing monumental sculpture ‘The Nobility of Time’ has been placed at a central location to be admired by all passers-by.

President of the Stratton Foundation, Mr. Beniamino Levi, is an avid art collector and knew Dalí personally. To date, he has successfully organized over 80 critically and publically acclaimed exhibitions, which have been seen by more than 9 million people around the world.

The mesmerizing sculpture which measures up to four meters high has been specifically chosen for the road world championships since it represents the importance of time to individuals. The artwork echoes Dalí's famous 1931 painting ‘The Persistence of Memory’ in which the famous melted watch appeared for the first time.

The unexpected softness of the watch signifies the psychological aspect whereby time, whilst considered to be precise and fixed in its nature, varies significantly in human perception. Dalinian time is not rigid; it is one with space and fluidity. When we are involved in pleasant activities or in work that absorbs all our attention, 'time flies', but when we are mired in boredom or discomfort, it drags on. Dalí’s limp watch no longer 'keeps' time but the speed of our time depends only on us. The crown which adorns the watch is as a royal crown identifying it as king, and represents the omnipresence of time and mastery over man.

Over the next few exciting days Dalí’s concept of time can be easily applied to the cyclist that fights against those precious seconds to gain on his opponents, yet lives this fraction of time in slow motion, stretched out and never ending. Or the spectator, who anxiously waits hours on end to see his favorite cyclist pass, but is rewarded with such pleasure that the time is perceived as brief.

The sculpture which has been exhibited in the most important cities in the world, will now keep time for all the cyclists and visitors at this championship.