Family Affairs and other matters

I went to a spectacular glass exhibition last weekend at the Halcyon Gallery in New Bond Street. Dale Chihuly is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and inventive artists working in contemporary glass.

His creations are spectacular. Need to be seen close up to appreciate the detail. This one, for example has cut glass detail on each tentacle (or whatever they’re called):-

Some of his glass sculptures are huge:-

I don’t love all his creations – a lot seems to be about natural life and oyster-ish shapes – but nevertheless it is all impressive stuff:-

My brother used to be a glassblower and so I came across his work a long time ago. I asked my brother to give me some insider knowledge on the American artist:-

“Dale Chihuly, or just “Chihuly” as he is commonly known, is the Damien Hirst of the glass world. He is probably the best known living glass artist of our time, achieving an almost brand-like status. I became aware of his work in a former life, as a young trainee glassmaker at university and during an exchange to the US in my second year, I discovered that he was an even bigger influence over there. His iconic works, inspired by natural forms are exhibited all over the world, collected and cherished by those that can afford them. As a glassmaker, well that’s another story. I believe he lost an eye in a car accident early on in his career so whilst he was forced to retire as a glassblower he has managed to successfully direct others to help him create much of his work for him and consequently he has been able to continue to be a prodigiously prolific artist.

It’s on until the end of March so check it out if you can.