This is for me the most exciting exhibition of the year. The Chihuly’s “Reflections on nature”, is currently in place (until 27th October 2019) at Kew Gardens (West London).
If you have never had the chance to see Chihuly’s glass artwork before, there is still time to organise a day out in Kew Gardens. I was so impressed by this artist’s creations that I went there 3 times already and experienced completely different perceptions of Chihuly’s work each time.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON gives you the 3 reasons why you should not miss this amazing exhibition.
1. It is Chihuly’s artwork
I was personally not very familiar with Chihuly’s work, but had seen his extravagant “Rotunda Chandelier” -inaugurated by the Queen- in the Hall of the Victoria & Albert Museum when visiting it the first time.
Dale Chihuly is a contemporary American glass sculptor, famous to have turned this art into a larger scale. This is indeed very impressive to consider the size and shapes of his artworks, and we can easily imagine the technical difficulties Chihuly must have overcome before achieving such results.
Chihuly already showcased his artwork in London several times, either temporarily in museums (Victoria & Albert Museum in 2001) and Parks (Kew Gardens in 2005), or permanently -as part of commissioned artwork- in hotels (“The foyer” at Claridge’s), Department Stores (the “Amber and Gold Chandelier” at Harrod’s) and is regularly on view at the Halcyon Gallery.
London seems to be a big fan of Chihuly’s mesmerizing installations… and so am I!
Dale Chihuly is someone who seems to have taken up many challenges in his own life as he lost his left eye in a car accident in 1976 and dislocated his right shoulder in 1979 (while bodysurfing), which prevented him from being able to hold the glass blowing pipe. Since then, he has always worked with a team, carefully managing their work and having a different perspective of what was created… which he says enables him to anticipate problems and gives a great view on what’s in progress.
This video gives you an overview of Chihuly’s working approach and achievements.
2. It is amazing Art
Without starting a philosophical approach of what is Art or is not, I just want to enhance the fact that Chihuly’s glass sculptures are of incredible beauty and high complexity. And that mix is what I have always admired in Art.
The exhibition “Reflections on nature” highlights the perfect marriage of art, science and nature. The glass material has been shaped to the limit of what is technically possible, and artistically inspired. Then, the final creations have been artfully displayed in Kew Gardens so that nature and art blend harmoniously.
Sometimes, colors mix perfectly well with the environment, like those red and orange artworks lined up in front of the Temperate House, blending perfectly well with the surrounding poppies and cherry trees last April.
Sometimes, the shapes are suggesting animals and we can easily imagine some swans around us …
Sometimes also, the glass itself impresses as the lighting stresses the interplay of transparency and colour…even dragonflies get lost!
3. This Art is at Kew Gardens
I have recently presented Kew Gardens’ highlights on this blog. I have seen this park evolve over the last few years and the newly reopened buildings at Kew definitely provide a high level of interest.
By showcasing Chihuly’s work until the end of October, Kew Gardens only offer you another good excuse to visit those beautiful -and Royal- gardens!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to visit Chihuly’s exhibition soon, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!
To go further:
Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB, website
Dale Chihuly website
Yes, I’ve enjoyed so much this post . Fantastic work ! Marvelous artist ! So beautiful ! Amazing !
J’ADORE !
Great article, well structured. I love this glass art!
@robert Thanks Robert!
@myriam Yes, great artist indeed!
Magnificent ! your talent as a photographer and the sumptuous Chihuly’glass artwork make we enjoy with so much pleasure the colours of each photo; strength and fragility!
it’s like a dream;
Yes it is amazing ART
I am “glued” to the beauty of the work and extremely impressed by the technique : very interesting video!!
@elialand Many thanks Elialand!