Enter the Brilliant World of Chihuly
You no longer have to travel to the Bellagio in Las Vegas to view the exquisite glasswork of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly; there is now a permanent collection in your own backyard. Presented by the Morean Arts Center, the Chihuly exhibit contains astonishing large-scale installations and several popular series that have delighted audiences around the world.
The Morean Arts Center donated their gallery space on Beach Drive in Downtown St. Petersburg to house the new exhibit. Chihuly recruited award winning Tampa architect Albert Alfonso to design the 10,000 square foot space, and design he did! The collection is not just about the artwork but the environment in which it exists. Extensive thought was put into the lighting and the colorful shadows cast on the walls. Organic elements that inspired the art were brought in with black Plexiglas, convincingly representing the reflective surface of still water, and cedar paneling is used throughout the space and tiled on the tables presenting the art. The undulating curvatures of the walls in the room where the “chandeliers” are held showcase the individual pieces. All these aspects contribute to the visual experience as a whole. It is surprising to think that Chihuly and Alfonzo nearly declined to use the space, thinking it could never work with the pieces intended to fill it.
Chihuly’s relationship with Alfonzo must have come as second nature since this artist makes a living working as a team. Though he started his career as a solo artist after studying in Venice he became accustomed to working in a team. This team effort became vital later on as Chihuly was in an automobile accident that left him blind in his left eye and required him to wear an eye patch. He continued to blow glass until a few short years later when a bodysurfing accident dislocated his shoulder and left him unable to hold a glass blowing pipe. He now creates gestural paintings that his team interprets and actualizes in glass. A series of these canvases introduce the viewers to the array of work exhibited in the collection.
Within the Collection’s walls live a variety of glass sculptures like you have never before seen. Vases reminisce of Japanese ceramics, abstracted pottery that would boast any home décor, and chandeliers made up of more than 300 detachable pieces. These works take the shape of organic, almost alien forms resembling sea and plant life. I caught images of giant sea clams, sea urchins, conch shells, lily pads, reeds, and even Florida’s famous palm fronds within the glass. The colors are undeniably gorgeous and evoke a feeling of euphoria in your soul. One is unable to leave the premises with a feeling of melancholy.
After leaving the exhibit, everywhere I looked, every plant I saw, I saw it in glass or I made a connection to Chihuly’s inspiration. It is truly amazing to think of how the pieces were brought into creation. If you have the time I recommend visiting the Morean Arts Center ‘s “Glass Studio & Hot Spot”, a unique behind the scenes workspace were customers can view live glassblowing to further contribute to your understanding and appreciation of this great artist and his team.
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your description on the Art Exhibit. You brought it to life for me. I surely hope to see it one day!