Violet Persian Set with Red Lip Wraps, Dale Chihuly

Episode 5. I'm David Cateforis with another Art Minute from the Spencer Museum of Art. As you walk through the front door of the Spencer, they catch your eye and draw you in. You gaze upward at six undulating glass disks that seem to float on the wall high above the central court. Perhaps three feet in diameter, the red and blue pieces by the Seattle glass artist Dale Chihuly sparkle in the light-and cast dramatic shadows. The six units, each unique in appearance, make up a work of art called Persian Wall, which was made specifically for the Spencer Museum of Art in 1996. Although many people assume the artist used KU colors, he chose red and blue to highlight the Renaissance paintings visible through the doorway below. There is another work of art by Dale Chihuly in the 20th-Century Gallery. Violet Persian with Red Lip Wraps is made from 20 separate pieces of sculptural glass. Three large, iridescent, purple shell forms nestle together to form the base of the work. 17 smaller pieces of glass lie in their folds, competing for space and attention. Yellow, green, blue, and pink, some are shaped like globes, trumpets, and rattles. A strip of contrasting color, usually red, wraps the edges of each richly textured piece. With thanks to Pat Vilanov for her text, from the Spencer Museum of Art, I'm David Cateforis.

The shimmering colors of the ocean glitter in your peripheral vision. You walk through the silky grains of sand as they slip through your toes, tickling them slightly. You jump into the cool water and your feet graze the shore when you feel something brush against your leg. You bend down and pick it up, the biggest shell you have ever seen. You hold it next to your ear, hearing soothing ocean noises and then you disappear. You open your eyes and see the most magnificent shells floating in the water. What did you just encounter? The Violet Persian with Red Lip Wraps by Dale Chihuly seems to let you experience things that you never have before. Dale Chihuly is one of the most well-known glass artists in the world. He learned how to blow glass in Venice and was immediately interested. He pursued a career as a glass artist and he is very famous to this day. He uses neon, argon, and blown glass to make these amazing, plant-like pieces of art. In 1990, Chihuly created the Violet Persian, which is part of his Persian set. Each piece of his work is carefully crafted and made so that each section has its own individuality. The Violet Persian Set has twenty crafted pieces that have to be perfectly arranged whenever moved. This effulgent piece of art is truly amazing. Once I walked into the gallery, it immediately caught my eye. It seems to give off a glow beckoning you come closer and look. As you inspect this piece, you see all the amazing detail that has been fused into the glass. I saw plants, clams, and shells that float in the water. It gave off a very soothing and hopeful feel and I felt like I could stay there forever, staring at the pulchritude of this piece. When I look at all the small details, it looks like some of the clams were just about to open, and then, right there, Chihuly captures the moment, freezing it into place perfectly in position. The color of all the pieces seems to flow together, merging together, making them whole and complete. I think that if someone saw this, they would feel hope. I can imagine the clams opening and showing them a secret, and a push to move on. It emits an encouraging vibe that tells us that we are all beautiful and unique. Flow like the water and be free.