Chihuly: Reflections on nature, Kew Gardens
Celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly returns to showcase never before seen works in the UK against the backdrop of the iconic Kew Gardens.
Between April and October of 2019, internationally recognised glass artist Dale Chihuly returns to Kew Gardens with the 'Reflections on Nature' exhibition, showcasing never before seen works in the UK against the stunning backdrop of the world-famous botanical gardens. The dazzling and colourful sculptures create a design trail, popping up in some of the garden's most cherished locations, including the Temperate House; the World's largest Victorian glasshouse that recently completed an extensive five-year restoration project.
Visitors can experience Chihuly's 'Drawings and Rotolo' series - the most technically challenging work the artist has ever created - and 'Seaforms', undulating forms that conjure underwater life on display within the Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art.
Provided with a specially illustrated map, visitors can take a tour of the botanical gardens to explore the full collection of works, an exciting way to explore every corner of the botanical gardens with a UNESCO world heritage site with a history that dates back to 1840.
Highlights include Chihuly’s 'Celestial Sapphire Star' - a mesmerising work of blue glass spines that gently fade into white and clear tips, 'Summer Sun' - a magnificent sculpture consisting of hundreds if not thousands of vibrant red and yellow swirling 'flares' that ignite at the entrance to the Palm House, 'Ethereal White Persian Pond' - white and clear glass 'swirls' that elegantly float above the waters of the Waterlilly House and the impressive showstopper 'Emperate House Persians' - a 9-meter pendant of blue, green and yellow glass 'blossoms' suspended in the heart of the iconic Temperate House.
For those looking to escape the excitement, a tranquil moment at the Japanese Gateway will introduce you to the personal favourite 'Niijima Floats' - a collection of multi-coloured and patterned globes that replace the rocks in the Zen garden, carefully raked around to produce the 'ripples' of this relaxing retreat.
With a total of 32 works displayed within 13 locations, there is enough to keep visitors busy for the entire day. The sense of belonging and relationship between Chihuly's sculptural works and the Garden's natural beauty helps create an unforgettable experience that transforms with the changing light of the day. There is no better place to explore these artistic pieces than in the natural surroundings that helped inspire their creation.
