Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly Large 60” x 40” Original Painting Double Ikebana
Description
Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Double Ikebana
Medium: Original Acrylic Painting on Paper
Paper Size: 60" x 40"
Date: C. 2005
Inscription: Marked "Ikebana" on bottom front
Documentation: Includes Chihuly studios registration number, unbroken record of provenance, and a gallery certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact
Dale Chihuly's marigold and blue Double Ikebana painting is a vibrant celebration of form and color, encapsulating the dynamic energy and organic beauty for which the artist is renowned. Created around 2005, this original acrylic painting on paper measures an impressive 60” x 40” and features Chihuly's distinctive style, where bold gestures and vivid hues converge in a harmonious composition.
The painting showcases two round vases positioned at the bottom of the work, serving as the foundational elements from which gestural stems rise and extend. These stems rendered with a sense of fluidity and motion, fill the entire space of the piece, creating a sense of upward movement that draws the viewer's eye across the composition. The vases and stems are illustrated in a palette of bright blue, teal green, and brown, with subtle yet impactful accents of grey, black, and rust. These colors stand out against the richly colored marigold background, a warm and glowing hue that saturates the entire canvas and imbues the piece with a radiant energy.
The title, "Double Ikebana," nods to the Japanese art of flower arranging, known for its meticulous balance and refined aesthetic. However, in Chihuly's interpretation, this tradition is infused with a contemporary flair, where the delicate and disciplined art of ikebana is transformed into an exuberant display of artistic expression. The swirling reeds and vibrant colors evoke a sense of movement and life, as if the forms are not confined to the canvas but are in the process of growing and evolving. The word “IKEBANA” is painted in large letters on the bottom front of the painting.
"Double Ikebana" is a testament to Chihuly's ability to translate his mastery of glasswork into the medium of painting, creating a work that is both visually striking and deeply evocative, capturing the essence of nature through the lens of his unique artistic vision. We have a full record of unbroken provenance for this piece, inclduing it’s original date of gallery purchase and Chihuly Studios registration number. Additionally, purchase includes a gallery certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly is a renowned contemporary glass artist, celebrated for his monumental sculptures and breathtaking installations. He is the visionary behind the stunning ceiling at the Bellagio's flower garden in Las Vegas and the iconic Rotunda Chandelier at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Chihuly's glass works are highly coveted by collectors and decorative arts enthusiasts worldwide.
Despite his initial lack of interest in formal education, Chihuly pursued extensive studies, earning both scientific and artistic degrees in sculpture from prestigious institutions. Early in his career, he displayed a strong inclination toward interior design and craft, but his true passion lay in glass. As a Fulbright Fellow in the late 1960s, Chihuly apprenticed at the renowned Venini Glass Factory in Venice, where he mastered the art of Murano glasswork. His innovative glassblowing techniques played a key role in reviving this ancient craft on a global scale.
Chihuly's work is featured in over 200 of the world's most esteemed decorative art collections, and he holds twelve honorary doctorates. His most celebrated series include Cylinders and Baskets from the 1970s, Macchia, Venetians, and Persians from the 1980s, Niijima Floats and Chandeliers from the 1990s, and Fiori from the 2000s.
For more than 30 years, Chihuly has served as the artistic director of his team, following two accidents that left him blind in one eye and unable to hold the glassblowing tube. These challenges shifted his perspective, allowing him to explore the possibilities of glass art on a larger scale while maintaining his distinctive style.