For me, this is the most thrilling exhibition of the year! Chihuly’s ‘Reflections on Nature’ is currently on display at Kew Gardens in West London until 27th October 2019.

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to experience Chihuly’s stunning glass artwork, there’s still time to plan a visit to Kew Gardens. I was so captivated by his creations that I’ve gone three times, each visit revealing a completely new perspective on his work.

Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON shares three compelling reasons why you shouldn’t miss this extraordinary exhibition.

1. Discover the magic of Chihuly’s glass creations

I wasn’t very familiar with Chihuly’s work before, but I had seen his extravagant ‘Rotunda Chandelier’ -inaugurated by the Queen – during my first visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Dale Chihuly is a contemporary American glass sculptor renowned for transforming glass art into large-scale installations. The impressive size and intricate shapes of his works highlight the technical challenges he must have overcome to achieve such stunning results. Quite impressive, isn’t it?
Chihuly has brought his amazing artwork to London a few times now. He’s had temporary exhibitions in places like the Victoria & Albert Museum back in 2001 and Kew Gardens in 2005. Plus, he’s got some permanent pieces around the city, like ‘The Foyer’ at Claridge’s Hotel and the ‘Amber and Gold Chandelier’ at Harrods. You can also check out his work regularly at the Halcyon Gallery. There’s plenty to see for anyone who loves art!
London seems to be a big fan of Chihuly’s mesmerizing installations… and so am I!
Dale Chihuly is someone who seems to have taken up many challenges in his own life as he lost his left eye in a car accident in 1976 and dislocated his right shoulder in 1979 (while bodysurfing), which prevented him from being able to hold the glass blowing pipe. Since then, he has always worked with a team, carefully managing their work and having a different perspective of what was created… which he says enables him to anticipate problems and gives a great view on what’s in progress.

This video gives you an overview of Chihuly’s working approach and achievements.

2. Incredible Art you can’t miss!

Without starting a philosophical approach of what is Art or is not, I just want to enhance the fact that Chihuly’s glass sculptures are of incredible beauty and high complexity. And that mix is what I have always admired in Art.
The exhibition “Reflections on nature” highlights the perfect marriage of art, science and nature. The glass material has been shaped to the limit of what is technically possible, and artistically inspired. Then, the final creations have been artfully displayed in Kew Gardens so that nature and art blend harmoniously.
Sometimes, colours harmonize beautifully with their surroundings, like the vibrant red and orange artworks displayed in front of the Temperate House. Last April, they blended perfectly with the blooming poppies and cherry trees.
Sometimes, the shapes are suggesting animals and we can easily imagine some swans around us …
At times, the glass itself is just as impressive, with the lighting highlighting the stunning interplay of transparency and colour. Even dragonflies seem to get mesmerized!

3. Experience Chihuly’s Art in Kew Gardens lush landscape

I have recently presented Kew Gardens’ highlights on this blog. I have seen this park evolve over the last few years and the newly reopened buildings at Kew definitely provide a high level of interest.
By showcasing Chihuly’s work until the end of October, Kew Gardens only offer you another good excuse to visit those beautiful  -Royal- gardens!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to visit Chihuly’s exhibition soon, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!

To go further:
Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB, website
Dale Chihuly website