Chihuly is a mastermind of glass works, a revolutionary in the world of glass sculpting whose work continues to push this art form in bold new directions. His work doesn’t really fit into one category although he is known as a glass sculptor. The creativity, striking use of color and nuanced imagery is so reminiscent of unadulterated beauty that is defies comparison. He is in a category of one. There are few who even attempt to move glass sculpting in colorful (literally) new directions that provoke such blunt emotion without even a word. His goal, according to himself is to “Move people with color and light in a way they have never experienced.”
His work is also heavily influenced by water and its fluid movement as can be seen by much of his work. The sculptures have a common theme of outbound energy with many of his relics starting at a focal point and expanding outward, showing how color changes its density based on the thickness of the glass. It’s quite something to behold. His skill with colors, both alone and through intricate combinations has resonated globally. His exhibitions draw massive crowds and he has been honored with these at placed such as the Palais du Louvre and the Royal Botanical gardens near London. Though one of the more impressive feats, even in a career such as his, was the attendance of over 1 million visitors to his exhibition Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem.
His work moves the mind, pulls at the heart and soothes the soul. The deep and shallow contrasts of light and color cause intense awe many times, though we don’t always know why. The puzzles created with color, contrast and the lack of color in some respects don’t need to be solved. While you may wonder at how the complex combinations of light and color relax your thoughts and provoke them at the same time, there are more obvious questions at work. How in the world does he create these masterpieces? Some are very tall and imposing and can have detailed color combinations. Many look different depending on the angle and amount of light! The thought that must go into such subtleties alone boggles the mind. It’s amazing he’s produced as many sculptures as he has.
Chihuly is a visionary. People think of using colors and combining them in complicated ways, which Chihuly does, but there’s more to it than that. His works, though dominated by complex color and light combinations are whole. They aren’t pieced together and coaxed to look like a uniform structure. The colors, even in contrast exist in perfect harmony. This presents an interesting conundrum which undoubtedly keeps audiences fascinated: How does he make many seem like one? How does he make complicated seem simple? Or vice versa? It is the contrast and the somehow subsequent coming together of his idea that inspires the admiration. There is little doubt his work will continue to define a movement and continue to move us all.
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