Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Blackcurrant Macchia with Robin's Egg Blue Lip Wrap
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Dimensions: 5.5" x 8.75" × 6"
Year: 1984
Inscription: Signed and dated on underside
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity
Dale Chihuly's Blackcurrant Macchia with Robin's Egg Blue Lip Wrap (1984) is an exceptional example of his groundbreaking work in hand-blown glass, showcasing the artist's signature Macchia series. Standing at 5.5" high, 8.75" wide, and 6" deep, this striking piece highlights the unusual and dramatic color combination of deep blackcurrant and robin's egg blue. The fusion of these two rich hues creates a vibrant contrast, drawing attention to the piece's asymmetry and organic form.
Chihuly's Macchia series, which he began in 1981, broke with the tradition of symmetrical, perfectly formed glass vessels. Instead, Chihuly embraced irregular, sculptural shapes and an ever-expanding range of colors. Each Macchia piece is created with at least three layers of color, often including a solid inner hue, a layer of translucent or opaque white glass chips, and a final outer tone, allowing for intricate depth and variation in the work. The Blackcurrant Macchia exemplifies this technique, with the robin's egg blue lip wrap adding a distinctive accent that enhances the sense of movement and fluidity in the design.
The Blackcurrant Macchia with Robin's Egg Blue Lip Wrap not only demonstrates Chihuly's mastery of glass as a medium but also his fearless exploration of color, form, and texture—creating a timeless and dynamic work of art. The work is signed and dated on the underside, affirming its authenticity, and includes a gallery certificate of authenticity.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly is a renowned American glass sculptor whose innovative approach to glass art has made him one of the most influential figures in contemporary art. Born on September 20, 1941, in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly's fascination with glass began in the 1960s when he first encountered the art form while studying at the University of Washington. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in interior design from the University of Washington in 1965, Chihuly went on to study glassblowing at the prestigious Venini Glass Factory in Venice, Italy. This pivotal experience deepened his appreciation for glass and catalyzed his decision to pursue it as a medium.
Chihuly's early career was marked by a desire to push the boundaries of traditional glasswork. In 1968, he became the first American to receive a Fulbright Fellowship to study glassblowing at the Royal College of Art in London, where he further honed his craft. His return to the United States in the early 1970s marked the beginning of his experimental work with glass. He began to combine the techniques and materials he had studied, developing his own distinctive style that deviated from the traditional glass objects of the time. He moved away from the practice of creating symmetrical, functional vessels and instead focused on creating irregular, asymmetrical forms that celebrated the inherent qualities of glass.
In 1971, Chihuly established the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington, which became an important institution for glass artists and played a key role in the growth of the glass art movement in the United States. Chihuly's teaching at Pilchuck was deeply influential, fostering a new generation of glass artists and helping to elevate glass from a craft to a fine art. Pilchuck's location amidst the forests of the Pacific Northwest provided a natural inspiration for much of Chihuly's later work, which often incorporates organic forms and vibrant colors.
Chihuly's breakthrough came in the 1980s with the creation of his Macchia series, in which he began to experiment with multi-layered glass forms, using bold and unexpected color combinations to create works of extraordinary depth and energy. This was followed by the Persian series, where Chihuly expanded on the use of color and form, drawing from ancient glassmaking traditions, and the Chandeliers series, in which he created monumental glass sculptures designed to be suspended from the ceiling, enveloping viewers with their vibrant beauty and intricate detail.
Perhaps one of Chihuly's most significant contributions to the world of art is his ability to create large-scale public installations, transforming spaces and environments with his stunning glass sculptures. His iconic Chihuly in the Garden exhibitions, which have been held at botanical gardens around the world, showcase his large-scale glass installations in harmony with nature. Chihuly's works have been displayed in museums and galleries across the globe, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the de Young Museum in San Francisco, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Throughout his career, Chihuly has been known for his innovative approach to glassblowing, his emphasis on collaboration, and his ability to inspire awe through his imaginative use of form, color, and light. His artistic journey has resulted in over 200 major public installations and a legacy of transforming the way people view glass as an art medium. Despite suffering a serious eye injury in 1976 that left him blind in one eye, Chihuly's determination and vision have never wavered. He continues to be a leading force in the world of contemporary glass art, with his works celebrated for their boldness, beauty, and enduring impact.