Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Red-Orange and Violet Ikebana
Medium: Hand-Blown Glass
Overall Dimensions: 36" H x 32" W x 16" D
Vase: 18.5" x 16" x 16"
Flower: 34" x 9.5" x 13"
Year: 2001
Inscription: Signed and date on orange vase "Chihuly 2001"
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Dale Chihuly's "Red-Orange and Violet Ikebana" is a significant example of the artist's Ikebana series. Created in 2001, the work demonstrates Chihuly's mastery of glassblowing and his ability to merge traditional techniques with innovative, contemporary approaches. Measuring an impressive 32 inches high overall by 36 inches wide and 16 inches deep, the scale of "Red-Orange and Violet Ikebana" is one of its most defining characteristics.
Dale Chihuly's "Red-Orange and Violet Ikebana" is also distinguished by its vibrant color palette. The red-orange vase forms a striking contrast with the indigo stem, which culminates in a violet flower. Chihuly's use of layered, juxtaposed colors showcases his signature ability to manipulate glass to achieve luminosity, depth, and subtle surface texture, resulting in a dynamic interplay of light and hue that changes with the viewer's perspective.
Chihuly's Ikebana series reflects his interest in floral forms and Japanese-inspired arrangements, but it is reimagined through his distinct aesthetic, transforming classical compositional ideas into sculptural glass works of considerable scale and technical sophistication. Each element—the vase, stem, and flower—is meticulously shaped and assembled, demonstrating the artist's command of gravity, heat, and fluidity in molten glass.
"Red-Orange and Violet Ikebana" combines Chihuly's inventive color sense, bold forms, and technical precision. The work is signed and dated on the vase, "Chihuly 2001", and is accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity. Its scale, intricate design, and exceptional craftsmanship underscore Chihuly's position as a pioneering force in contemporary glass art and his ongoing influence on large-scale sculptural glass.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly (American, b. 1941) is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in contemporary glass art, whose innovative techniques and monumental installations have transformed the perception of glass as a medium for fine art. Born in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly's early interest in art led him to study interior design at the University of Washington before he transferred to the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a bachelor's degree in interior design and subsequently a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture. His introduction to glass as a medium occurred during his graduate studies, and it was there that he developed the foundation for a lifelong exploration of the material's potential.
Chihuly's work is characterized by its technical ingenuity, vibrant color palettes, and organic forms. He is particularly noted for pioneering collaborative methods in glassblowing, working with teams of skilled artisans to push the boundaries of scale and complexity. This collaborative approach allowed Chihuly to produce large-scale installations, such as suspended chandeliers, expansive ceiling compositions, and site-specific exhibitions that redefine architectural spaces. By embracing the fluidity of molten glass and employing gravity, color layering, and surface manipulation, he has developed a distinct visual language that balances spontaneity with precise design.
Throughout his career, Chihuly has created multiple signature series, including Seaforms, Macchia, Venetian, and Ikebana, each demonstrating unique approaches to shape, color, and texture. His glass sculptures are renowned for their dynamic interplay of light and transparency, which imbues each piece with a sense of movement and life. Chihuly's work consistently bridges the gap between traditional craft and contemporary art, positioning him at the forefront of the Studio Glass Movement that emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century.
Chihuly's contributions have been recognized globally, with his works featured in numerous museum collections and exhibitions. Prominent institutions holding his work include the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Corning Museum of Glass; the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. His exhibitions have been presented internationally, from retrospective surveys at the de Young Museum in San Francisco to site-specific installations at the Venice Biennale, reflecting the breadth and impact of his artistic vision.
In addition to his sculptural practice, Chihuly has significantly influenced the field of glass through education and advocacy. He co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington state, which has trained generations of glass artists and fostered experimentation in the medium. His legacy is further solidified through major public commissions and collaborations, which continue to elevate glass to the status of monumental contemporary art.
Dale Chihuly's career exemplifies the transformative potential of glass as a sculptural medium, blending technical mastery with visionary creativity. His work not only demonstrates the aesthetic possibilities of color, form, and light but also reshapes the public's understanding of what glass can achieve within contemporary art, ensuring his place as a pivotal figure in modern and postmodern sculpture.
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