Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Chartreuse Cerulean Venetian
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Size: 27" x 14.5" x 6.5"
Inscription: Inscribed on bottom "Chihuly 91"
Year: 1991
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Dale Chihuly's "Chartreuse Cerulean Venetian" is a dynamic example of the artist's early exploration of the Venetian series, in which he fused the aesthetics of traditional Italian glass with a bold, sculptural sensibility. Created in 1991, the work features a vibrant core vessel in a mottled cerulean blue, its surface animated by patches of deep cobalt and translucent electric tones. Rising from this central form are sweeping, leaf-like appendages in vivid chartreuse, marbled with golden ochre and embedded with dark trailing lines that lend a sense of rhythm and energy.
The composition is highly gestural, with the surrounding elements appearing to spiral upward and outward from the body of the vessel, creating a sense of movement and tension. The interplay between color and form exemplifies Chihuly's interest in expressive contrast and organic asymmetry, pushing the boundaries of what blown glass can achieve. The elongated, undulating extensions both embrace and disrupt the vessel's silhouette, suggesting motion while maintaining a strong sculptural presence.
Signed and dated on the underside, the work is a significant representation of Chihuly's pioneering efforts to reimagine glass as a medium of contemporary art. It is accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly is an American artist renowned for revolutionizing the field of glass art through his innovative techniques and visionary approach. Born on September 20, 1941, in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly has become one of the most influential figures in contemporary art, transforming the perception of glass from a traditional craft to a respected fine art medium.
Chihuly's interest in art began at an early age, and he pursued formal education in the arts by attending the University of Washington, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design in 1965. His exposure to glass as a medium started when he joined the University of Wisconsin's glass program, where he studied under Harvey Littleton, often credited as the father of the American studio glass movement. There, Chihuly received his Master of Fine Arts in 1967, positioning him at the forefront of a new era in glassmaking.
In 1968, Chihuly was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship, which allowed him to study Venetian glassblowing in Murano, Italy. This experience deeply influenced his work, as Murano's centuries-old traditions in glassmaking introduced him to techniques and forms that he would later reinterpret in his own innovative style. His time in Venice was crucial in shaping his aesthetic and technical mastery.
Chihuly's work is characterized by vibrant colors, organic forms, and large-scale installations that challenge the boundaries of glass art. Rather than focusing on single, isolated pieces, he pioneered collaborative studio processes that involve teams of skilled glassblowers, enabling the creation of monumental sculptures and immersive environments. This approach marked a significant departure from the solitary artist model and allowed for ambitious projects that are visually spectacular and technically complex.
Throughout his career, Chihuly has created numerous iconic works displayed in museums, botanical gardens, and public spaces worldwide. Some of his most famous installations include the “Chihuly Garden and Glass" exhibition in Seattle, the “Persians" series, and large-scale chandeliers for museums and institutions. His installations often blend with natural settings or architectural spaces, creating a dynamic dialogue between glass, light, and environment.
Chihuly has received numerous honors and awards recognizing his contributions to art and culture. These include the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, the American Craft Council's Gold Medal, and multiple honorary doctorates. Despite suffering a severe car accident in 1976 that left him blind in one eye, Chihuly's passion and determination have only fueled his creative output and innovation.
Today, Dale Chihuly continues to push the limits of glass art, inspiring new generations of artists and captivating audiences with his extraordinary vision. His pioneering spirit has helped elevate glass from a utilitarian craft to an expressive, monumental art form, securing his legacy as a transformative figure in contemporary art.
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