Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Lilac Ikebana I
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 I" (c. 1990-1995) is a radiant example of his ability to translate the movement and luminosity of glass into paint. Created with golden acrylic on French watercolor paper, this original painting shimmers with texture and depth, thanks to the metallic pigments that catch and reflect light—echoing the ethereal quality of Chihuly's iconic glass sculptures.
Inspired by the Japanese art of floral arrangement, "Lilac Ikebana I" features an unexpected and striking color palette. A lilac-hued vase serves as the foundation, supporting vivid yellow stems that burst with energy, accented by dynamic touches of green, blue, black, and pink. Chihuly's expressive brushstrokes lend the composition a sense of fluidity and spontaneity, mirroring the organic forms found in his Ikebana glass series. The interplay of bold color and metallic sheen evokes the interplay of transparency and opacity in glass, a hallmark of Chihuly's artistic vision.
Signed "Chihuly" in black on the bottom front, this painting is both a conceptual study and a standalone masterpiece, offering a glimpse into the artist's creative process. As with his glasswork, Chihuly's paintings embrace freedom and intuition, capturing the energy of molten glass in a two-dimensional medium.
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 I" is a rare and captivating piece that exemplifies Chihuly's pioneering approach to both painting and glass.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly is a visionary force in contemporary glass art, renowned for his groundbreaking techniques, large-scale installations, and vibrant, organic forms that have redefined the possibilities of the medium. Born on September 20, 1941, in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly's fascination with glass began early and evolved into a transformative career that has elevated glassblowing to a celebrated fine art embraced by museums, collectors, and audiences worldwide.
Chihuly's academic journey laid the foundation for his innovative approach. He earned a degree in interior design from the University of Washington before studying sculpture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under Harvey Littleton, a pioneer of the American Studio Glass Movement. He later completed his graduate studies at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he established a glassblowing program and taught for several years. A Fulbright Fellowship took him to the renowned Venini glass factory in Murano, Italy, where he was deeply influenced by the collaborative nature of traditional glassmaking.
In the 1970s, Chihuly developed his signature style—defined by fluid, organic shapes, vibrant colors, and an experimental approach to form. His early Cylinder and Basket series reflected influences from Native American art, while his later works, such as Persians, Seaforms, and Macchia, pushed the limits of glass artistry with bold colors and undulating, freeform structures.
A 1976 car accident left Chihuly blind in one eye and unable to physically blow glass, prompting him to adopt a directorial approach, working with a team of skilled artisans to bring his vision to life. This collaborative process, inspired by his time in Murano, enabled him to create ambitious installations that redefined glass as a sculptural medium.
Chihuly's large-scale works have captivated audiences worldwide. His Fiori di Como ceiling at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, the Rotunda Chandelier at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, and site-specific exhibitions like Chihuly Over Venice (1996) and Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem 2000 have become iconic landmarks. His solo exhibitions have been featured at major institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the de Young Museum, San Francisco; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
With works housed in over 200 museum collections globally, Chihuly has earned numerous accolades, including twelve honorary doctorates and the Seattle Center's Artist of the Year award. His ongoing exploration of glass, painting, and drawing continues to push artistic boundaries, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
Through his luminous sculptures, immersive installations, and pioneering techniques, Chihuly has forever transformed the landscape of glass art, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and awe audiences around the world.