Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Lilac Ikebana II
Medium: Golden Acrylic Paint on French Water Color Paper
Dimensions: 30" x 20"
Year: C. 1990-1995
Inscription: Signed "Chihuly" on bottom front
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity
Dale Chihuly's "Lilac Ikebana II" (c. 1990-1995) is a mesmerizing exploration of color, movement, and texture, bridging the artist's mastery of glass with his expressive painting style. Executed in golden acrylic on French watercolor paper, this original work shimmers with luminous metallic pigments that create a rich, dynamic surface—reminiscent of the light-catching brilliance of Chihuly's renowned glass sculptures.
Inspired by the Japanese art of floral arrangement, "Lilac Ikebana II" bursts with energy and an unexpected harmony of hues. A lilac-hued vase anchors the composition, while bright yellow stems extend upward in an explosion of vibrant color. Accents of lime green, marigold, bright violet, red, sky blue, white, and black intermingle, creating a bold interplay of form and contrast. Chihuly's fluid, gestural brushstrokes give the painting a sense of organic movement, much like the delicate, flowing nature of his Ikebana glass series.
Signed "Chihuly" in black on the bottom front, this painting serves as both an independent work of art and a reflection of the artist's process in glassmaking. Just as he pushes the limits of form and color in molten glass, Chihuly's paintings embrace spontaneity and vibrancy, capturing the essence of his signature aesthetic in two dimensions.
This painting is currently not framed, but can be framed by us in the style of your choosing for an additional cost. The image showing the frame is a mock-up of what it will look like framed.
Accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity, "Lilac Ikebana II" is a striking and rare piece, offering collectors a window into Chihuly's visionary artistry beyond the realm of glass.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly is a trailblazer in contemporary glass art, renowned for his vibrant, organic sculptures and groundbreaking installations that push the boundaries of the medium. Born in Tacoma, Washington, in 1941, he studied interior design at the University of Washington before pursuing glassblowing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he later established a glass program. A Fulbright Fellowship took him to Murano, Italy, where he was deeply influenced by the collaborative nature of Venetian glassmaking.
In the 1970s, Chihuly pioneered a new approach to glass, creating fluid, freeform sculptures that embraced movement and color. His Seaform, Macchia, and Persian series exemplify his ability to transform glass into organic, almost living forms. After a car accident in 1976 left him unable to blow glass himself, Chihuly transitioned into a directorial role, working with a team of artisans to bring his ambitious visions to life.
Chihuly's large-scale installations, including the Fiori di Como ceiling at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Rotunda Chandelier at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, have captivated global audiences. His work is featured in over 200 museum collections, and his exhibitions at institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, continue to draw record crowds.
With a career spanning six decades, Chihuly remains one of the most influential artists in contemporary glass. His innovative spirit and boundless creativity continue to redefine the possibilities of the medium, cementing his legacy as a master of form, color, and light.