Dale Chihuly is known for transforming the Studio Glass movement and elevating the possibilities of glass as a medium for fine art. For the last 50-years, his reputation has rocketed with international exhibitions worldwide. Sculptures in glass are just one of the mediums employed to realise his vision. He also draws, paints, and creates installations using other materials.
The most biodiverse postcode on the planet, Kew’s breath-taking landscape is the ideal home for such work
Chihuly who hails from Seattle Washington is renowned for his ambitious architectural installations in historic cities, museums and gardens. His work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide. The artist has just opened his latest exhibition at Kew Gardens in London entitled, Chihuly: Reflections On Nature which runs until 27th October 2019. The exhibit includes his luminous, unique glass artworks across one of London’s most spectacular landscapes, in a perfect marriage of art, science, and nature.
At Kew, Chihuly’s artworks in the context of nature are staggering – unrestrained bursts of colour commanding a space of luscious greenery, showing visitors one of London’s few UNESCO world heritage sites in an entirely different way; its rolling vistas and ornate glasshouses transformed into a contemporary outdoor gallery space like no other.
A reverie of form, colour, and light, Chihuly’s exquisite artworks are often described as exaggerated celebrations of what is found in nature. As the most biodiverse postcode on the planet, Kew’s breath-taking landscape is the ideal home for such work. Visitors will explore the Gardens and make discoveries in their own time, experiencing surprise and wonder at what they find – graceful, luminous colour juxtaposed with the solid earthiness of nature.
“Thirteen years ago, Kew Gardens was home to Dale Chihuly’s last major outdoor show in Europe. It was one of the most popular exhibitions ever held at Kew, and the return of the work of this master of glass is causing a lot of excitement.
Bold and beautiful, surreal and seductive, these large-scale artworks will stimulate the imaginations of all who view them. Prepare to see Kew – and nature – in a wholly different way.” 32 unique art installations are situated across the Gardens in a wide variety of locations.
As visitors enter through Victoria Gate, they will see Sapphire Star, the individual blown glass forms of which will radiate outward to create a celestial visual experience. The vibrant blue colour of Sapphire Star is highly concentrated at the centre, where the individual glass elements meet and become increasingly opaque. The installation’s translucent, achromatic tips reflect light and add to its intense radiance.
Kew’s Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art (the world’s only gallery dedicated to botanical art), will host 12 bodies of work developed over 40 years, as well as a film detailing Chihuly’s creative process. Visitors to the gallery will experience the expressive lines and abstract forms of Chihuly’s Drawings, as well as the Rotolo series – the most technically challenging work Chihuly and his team, have ever created, and Seaforms, delicate undulating forms that conjure underwater life, among others.
Artist Dale Chihuly says: “I am honoured to bring my work once again to Kew, with its magnificent landscape and extraordinary glasshouses/structures which have always captivated me. How do you describe a beautiful building like the Palm House or the Temperate House? There is something special for the centre of the newly-restored Temperate House and I’m excited to see it come to fruition.”
At Kew, Chihuly’s artworks act as unrestrained bursts of colour commanding a space of luscious greenery, showing visitors one of London’s few UNESCO world heritage sites in an entirely different way; its rolling vistas and ornate glasshouses transformed into a contemporary outdoor gallery space like no other.
A reverie of form, colour, and light, Chihuly’s exquisite artworks are often described as exaggerated celebrations of what is found in nature. As the most biodiverse postcode on the planet, Kew’s breath-taking landscape is the ideal home for such work. Visitors can explore the Gardens and make discoveries in their own time, experiencing surprise and wonder at what they find – graceful, luminous colour juxtaposed with the solid earthiness of nature.
Words/Photos © Artlyst 2019