Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Ikebana Doppio
Medium: Original Diptych Watercolor and Acrylic Painting
Dimensions: Each sheet measures 41" × 29", total measurement is 82" × 29"
Frame Size: 90.5" x 37"
Year: C. 1985-1995
Inscription: Signed Chihuly on bottom front.
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity
Dale Chihuly's Ikebana Doppio is a breathtaking original diptych acrylic painting that spans an impressive 82 inches high and 29" in width, creating a truly monumental visual experience. The work is divided across two sheets of paper, each measuring 41" × 29", coming together to form a striking composition that commands attention in any space. The sheer size of the piece enhances its impact, drawing the viewer in and enveloping them in its vibrant, saturated colors.
In Ikebana Doppio, Chihuly expertly blends hues of green, teal, and blue across the background, creating a rich, dynamic atmosphere that contrasts with the powerful colors of the subject. The subject itself—a stunning, stylized form—pops in a harmonious blend of yellow, red, and orange, evoking a sense of fluid movement and energy. The juxtaposition of cool tones with the vibrant warmth of the subject creates a captivating dynamic that reflects Chihuly's mastery of color and form.
The diptych format allows for a sense of visual expansion, with each sheet of paper contributing to the overall grandeur of the composition. Signed by the artist on the bottom front, Ikebana Doppio is a vivid and expressive work that emphasizes Chihuly's innovative approach to color, texture, and scale.
Includes a Modern Artifact gallery certificate of authenticity.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly, born in Tacoma, Washington, on September 20, 1941, has become a towering figure in the world of contemporary art, particularly in the realm of glass sculpture. His journey into the world of glass began after he studied interior design at the University of Washington, where he was first introduced to the medium of glassblowing. After earning a Fulbright Fellowship in 1968, Chihuly traveled to Venice, Italy, to study at the prestigious Venini Glass Factory, where his artistic vision was expanded.
Chihuly's work has always been characterized by his willingness to break with tradition. Rather than focusing on the creation of functional glass objects, he sought to explore glass as an expressive, sculptural medium. This departure from convention helped him create works that were larger than life, colorful, and full of movement. In 1971, Chihuly co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School, which would become a vital hub for glass artists and an institution that helped redefine the medium in the United States.
The Macchia series, which Chihuly began in the 1980s, remains one of his most important achievements. Using multi-layered glass and an innovative color palette, Chihuly created pieces that broke traditional boundaries and opened up new possibilities for the medium. This approach paved the way for Chihuly's other monumental works, including his Chandeliers and Persian series, which have been showcased in numerous public spaces around the world.
Today, Chihuly's work can be found in major collections and exhibitions worldwide, from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Known for his passion for glass and his relentless drive to innovate, Chihuly has not only transformed the art world's perception of glass but has also made it an integral part of contemporary art history.