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Chihuly at Night: Light and Glass

 

Perhaps no artistic medium changes as much with changes of light and angle as glass. It absorbs and reflects light in different ways; it concentrates and diffuses light, it even twists light and color.

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The modern glass artist Dale Chihuly is especially known for exploring all those aspects of the material, and his work, both in permanent collections and temporary exhibitions is always a big draw.

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But most of the collections and exhibitions are indoors and seen in daylight or artificial light—not to say I haven't enjoyed them—but the most spectacular view I've ever had of his work was at a largely outdoor exhibition of large works at the New York Botanical Garden a few years ago.

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No, these are real flowers, in light reflected from Chihuly works

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It was Chihuly's second time at the Garden, and one of many at other public gardens, but the first one I had seen where the contrast of intentional light and the dark of night made everything different from the same pieces in the daytime.

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If you ever have the opportunity to see a Chihuly exhibit by day and by night, take it. My photos here are from my night visit; you might want to compare them with the images Jonathan Lessuck shared of the same exhibit in daylight. Both are spectacular; looking at each requires a mental adjustment to recognize the other, and to see both differently from first view.

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This particular exhibit is gone, but similar exhibits continue from time to time, and are well worth a trip, even.

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If you're looking for a Chihuly destination to spice up a future trip, you might consider Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which has the largest permanent exhibit. In fact, it might be your best reason to visit Oklahoma City. There's also a large collection in Seattle, near the Space Needle, called Chihuly Garden and Glass.

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The best part of every trip is realizing that it has upset your expectations

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