The artist known for his works in surrealism who painted "The Persistence of Memory" is Salvador Dalí. His style is characterized by dream-like scenes, bizarre images, and meticulous attention to detail, which draws viewers into a distorted reality. This iconic painting, created in 1931, features melting clocks draped over various objects, symbolizing the relativity of time and the subconscious mind. Dalí's contribution to surrealism profoundly impacted the art world, spurring new forms of expression that questioned traditional perspectives.