May 6, 2007

• Dale Chihuly is probably the hottest glass artist right now in the United States, if not the world!  He decided to do a series of installations in botanical gardens throughout the world.   His first exhibition was at Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois, USA.  His second installation graced Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio, USA; the conservatory loved the exhibition so much (and through the generosity of a wealthy benefactor!) that they purchased the collection!  The main displays are on permanent display and some of the smaller ones are rotated.

  This is an artist’s impression of Chihuly’s work at the Conservatory.  As you can see, this is a rather spectacular painting!  And I think it truly captures the essence of what Dale Chihuly does.

  
  

  
  This is a great piece.  It is actually built into the ceiling of a hallway so you are forced to look up to view it.  The backlighting really enhances the colors and textures in the work.

  
  

  
  The major works in the exhibition are named.  One of the more spectacular works is “Sunset Tower”.  Below is just a portion of the whole monstrosity.

  
  

  
  While I am relatively happy with this picture, I don’t think a camera can truly capture all of the awe of Chihuly’s works that the eye can.  I cannot find a name for this piece, put it most closely ressembles one of his works entitles “Reeds.”  From what I know of Chihuly, these are “generic” pieces that aren’t made into a final work until they are in their display space.  This allows the piece to be better integrated into its surroundings.

  
  

  
  Here is a detail shot.

   

  Cheers!
  michael todd
  

  • 7:26 pm
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