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.
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.
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.
No, these are real flowers, in light reflected from Chihuly works
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.
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.
This particular exhibit is gone, but similar exhibits continue from time to time, and are well worth a trip, even.
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.
