archaeography

Archaeological Artistry

Dale Chihuly is a well known glass-blower of the contemporary arts scene. Since the 1970's he has mixed the categories of crafts and fine art with his glass creations. Much of his inspiration explicitly draws upon the archaeological imagination, as in this piece entitled Baskets which is currently displayed at the de Young Museum in San Francisco as part of his largest exhibition to date. Archaeological alongside art, the display translates the color, form, patterning and even arrangement of a collection of Northwest Coast baskets from the Washington State Museum into a new medium and new setting for engagement.