Written by "Bunbury"
There is no way to begin this spotlight that really compares to Dale Chihuly’s work. When you walk into the Orlando Museum of Art, the reason for this immediately becomes clear. The mastery of abstract form and color, as well as the sheer size of the object, immediately draw your attention to the centerpiece of the room.
20 feet in height, the magnificent spire of Chihuly’s “Cobalt and Citron Tower” reaches its twisted tendrils to the skylight above. Curling royal and sky blues, dandelion yellows and almost whites expand out like a length of coral.
But this is just one of many beautiful glassworks by Dale Chihuly. That’s right- those 20 feet of beautiful color and form were created purely out of glass. Despite this, Chihuly has done even more impressive works at even larger scales. From 1999 to 2000, he had a variety of works on display in Jerusalem, with one tower being as tall as 48 feet. He also created various chandeliers which were hung around Venice from 1994-1996.
Chihuly is known for various types of glassworks. His website’s biography utilizes various terms for his works including “organic,” “asymmetry,” and “irregularity” (Chihuly Studio, n.a.). The shapes of his works tend to create curves, folds, and swirls that astonish the viewer in their vivid colors and complex forms. As a skilled glassworker, Chihuly creates grandiose pieces that redefine the art of glass.
Orlando Museum of Art itself planned to create an entire sculpture garden for the artist, before plans regarding its lavish downtown expansion were called off following an unassociated scandal. Chihuly’s works can be seen at various museums, including at the Harn and his downtown St. Pete collection.
Balint, Judy Lash, Glass Crusade: Chihuly Invades Jerusalem With Glass, Grandeur And That Patented Flair For Publicity, The Seattle Times, 8/5/1999
Chihuly Studio, Life, Chihuly, n.a.
Chihuly Studio, Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem, n.a., Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem | Chihuly
Galbraith, Alex, Orlando Museum of Art plans to open Chihuly rooftop garden at new downtown campus, Orlando Weekly, 9/17/2021, Orlando Museum of Art plans to open Chihuly rooftop garden at new downtown campus | Orlando | Orlando Weekly
Galbraith, Alex, Orlando Museum of Art pulls out of planned downtown expansion, Orlando Weekly, 2/21/2022, Orlando Museum of Art pulls out of planned downtown expansion | Orlando | Orlando Weekly
The Ledger, Dale Chihuly’s Cobalt & Citron Tower, 8/23/2007, Dale Chihuly's Cobalt & Citron Tower (theledger.com)
St Pete Clearwater, FL, The Chihuly Collection, n.a., The Chihuly Collection | Visit St Petersburg Clearwater Florida (visitstpeteclearwater.com)
