Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Navajo Blanket Cylinder
Medium: Original Acrylic on Paper
Artwork Dimensions: 41" × 29"
Frame Dimensions: 45.25" x 33.5"
Year: 1995
Inscription: Signed "Chihuly" on bottom front
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity, Chihuly studio number 95.184.d1
Dale Chihuly's "Navajo Blanket Cylinder" (1995) is a striking acrylic on paper painting that brings the artist's distinctive use of color and texture to life through an exploration of vibrant contrasts and intricate detail. Measuring 41 inches high by 29 inches wide, this work highlights Chihuly's signature dynamic style and bold color choices.
The composition features a rainbow of vivid hues set against a red brick background, providing a dramatic contrast to the central Indian Cylinder, which has a striking black exterior and a vibrant green interior. The boldness of this color pairing draws the viewer's eye to the center of the piece, where Chihuly has carefully depicted the detailed Indian blanket pattern. The blanket's design is rich with vibrant yellow, rich red, and white tones, evoking the traditional Native American textile art that inspired the work.
At the top of the piece, the words "NAVAJO BLANKET" are boldly painted in large black and turquoise letters, anchoring the viewer's attention and further emphasizing the cultural reference. Chihuly's signature appears at the bottom front in matching colors, marking the authenticity and completion of this vivid artwork.
This work is a masterful example of Chihuly's ability to blend intricate detail with bold graphic elements, creating a composition that is both lively and full of energy. The use of color and the unique blending of Native American motifs with Chihuly's unmistakable style make Navajo Blanket Cylinder a captivating piece full of life, history, and artistic innovation.
Includes gallery certificate of authenticity, Chihuly studio number 95.184.d1.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly, born on September 20, 1941, in Tacoma, Washington, is a pioneering American glass artist known for transforming the medium of glass into a vibrant, sculptural form that challenges traditional norms. Chihuly's interest in glass began during his time at the University of Washington, where he studied interior design before discovering the art of glassblowing. In 1968, he was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to study at the Royal College of Art in London, which led to his deep immersion in glassmaking techniques.
Throughout the 1970s, Chihuly developed a revolutionary approach to glass art by moving away from the traditional vessel forms of glassblowing. He embraced irregular shapes, vibrant colors, and larger-than-life sculptures that transcended function, emphasizing the expressive potential of glass as an art form. In 1971, Chihuly co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington, a now-iconic institution that helped nurture the next generation of glass artists and elevated the medium into the realm of fine art.
One of Chihuly's most notable achievements was his creation of the Macchia series in the early 1980s, where he began experimenting with layered colors and organic shapes. He continued to push the boundaries of the medium, creating monumental glass sculptures in his Chandeliers and Persian series. These pieces have captivated audiences worldwide, with their dynamic compositions and groundbreaking use of color and form.
Chihuly's works have been exhibited globally, including major installations in botanical gardens, museums, and galleries. His installations transform spaces, fusing nature, architecture, and art into immersive experiences that challenge traditional perceptions of glass. Despite a personal setback from a near-fatal accident that left him blind in one eye in 1976, Chihuly has remained at the forefront of glass art, inspiring countless artists and audiences with his bold vision and dedication.
