Chihuly At Kew Gardens
Dale Chihuly’s Reflections on Nature exhibition at Kew Gardens in London, England illustrates why gardens make such a perfect setting for his glass art
The sculptures of American glass artist Dale Chihuly are impressive and breath-taking. His unique blown glass works include vases with undulating walls, layered glass panels, long-stemmed flowers, magnificent chandeliers, walls and ceilings of vibrant colour, and grand architectural installations. His works can be found on permanent display in assorted museums and other places around the world, including Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, and several places in Tacoma, Washington, where he grew up. Pieces also appears in special exhibitions in museums and gardens around the world.
One of my favourite Chihuly pieces: the ceiling in the lobby of the Bellagio Hotel in Las VegasAt Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, I watched a short film in which Chihuly talked about his love of nature. He said that nature was the most perfect setting for his art. If you’ve ever seen one of his exhibitions in a garden, you may agree. In 2019, Kew Gardens in London hosts one of his exhibitions. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew were founded in 1759. The original 3 hectares of this UNESCO World Heritage Site has grown to 121 hectares and contains the most comprehensive botanical collection on earth. At Kew, you’ll find gardens of various styles, woodlands, and conservatories. The 32 pieces in Chihuly’s Reflections on Nature exhibit are found in various places throughout the garden.
Dale Chihuly was born in Tacoma, Washington in 1941. He became interested in glass while studying interior design at the University of Washington and continued studies at the University of Wisconsin, the Rhode Island School of Design where he established their glass program, and at the Veneni glass factory in Venice. His multidisciplinary team approach became particularly important after he lost sight in his left eye following a car accident. Three years later he dislocated his right shoulder in a body-surfing accident. He now relies on other artists to do the arduous work of glass-blowing for his designs.
Chihuly called glass the most magical of materials because of the way it transmits light. He works with light to enhance his pieces. His pieces are indeed magical.
Niijima Floats, (blown glass 1992 – 2008) with a view of Kew’s Great Pagoda in the background
Summer Sun, 2010
The white and gold colours of the pieces flanking the entrance to the Temperate House match the colours of the House
Inside the Temperate House hangs the Temperate House Persians, created especially for the Kew exhibition. Other Chihuly pieces sit amid the greenery in the House.
Turquoise Marlins and Floats, 2015
Yellow Herons and Reeds, 2007-2013
Chartreuse Hornet Polyvitro Chandelier, 2001
Cattails and Copper Birch Reeds, 2015
Neodymium Reeds and Turquoise Marlins in the Mediterranean Garden
Paintbrushes, 2016
Red reeds in front of the Lily House
Ethereal White Persian Pond, 2018, in the Lily House was my personal favourite at the Kew Exhibition
The Chihuly exhibition at Kew Gardens runs until October 27, 2019. For information on other current and upcoming Chihuly exhibitions go to the Chihuly Exhibitions page of his website.
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I saw Chihuly exhibits at the botanical gardens in both New York and Denver. Gardens like these are perfect places to present and enhance his works.
Ken, I agree that gardens are the perfect spots to display Chihuly works.
He certainly creates some fabulous pieces!
Eva, that he does. And I love the way they are placed in the gardens.
Love this post, Donna, as I, too, am a Chihuly fan. That lily garden in incredible!!!!
Doreen, the lily garden blew me away!