Dear Shaded Viewers,
In a remarkable collaboration, Sir Paul Smith unveiled an extraordinary exhibition last night showcasing a curated selection of exclusive artworks by the renowned American artist Dale Chihuly at his showroom in Le Marais. This exhibition marks the culmination of a deep friendship between the British designer Paul Smith and the celebrated artist.
Overseen personally by Paul Smith, the exhibition features a selection of 12 original blown glass sculptures sourced from Chihuly’s exclusive studio archives, alongside several pieces from Chihuly’s Studio Edition line. Each piece has been meticulously chosen to reflect the shared love of color and organic forms between Paul Smith and Dale Chihuly.
The exhibition serves as a tribute to the longstanding friendship between Chihuly, Smith, and his partner, philanthropist Leslie Jackson Chihuly, President and CEO of Chihuly Studio. The trio first met when the Chihulys visited the Paul Smith boutique on Albemarle Street, Mayfair in London for shopping. Already an admirer of Chihuly’s work, Paul naturally invited him to visit his studio and office in Covent Garden. It was during this encounter that the duo discovered their mutual passion for collecting various objects.
Paul reminisces, “From the outset, we had much in common and felt perfectly at ease with each other. As I got to know Dale and Leslie, my appreciation for his work only grew. He’s responsible for elevating his chosen medium to new heights, and I wanted this exhibition to reflect our shared love of color, showcasing the artist’s talent and unique vision. The pieces are breathtaking.”
Dale adds, “Paul’s intuitive use of colors and aesthetic are admirable, and these elements were immediately familiar to me. When Leslie suggested creating a dialogue between my work and Paul’s, I was excited about the prospect of exhibiting my work in his showroom and boutique, surrounded by this environment. I hope visitors will find something that resonates with them.”
Crafted in limited numbers by Chihuly Studio, the Studio Edition collection draws inspiration from the major themes of Chihuly’s work throughout his long and impressive career, referencing larger, more well-known series on a more practical scale. Art prints and artist-proof wood engravings testify to Dale’s longstanding passion for drawing and sketching, a process he compares to glass blowing, with a similar spontaneity and fluidity. There was also a video showing the creation of the works.
The exhibition takes place at Paul Smith’s Paris showroom and subsequently will be at the Paul Smith boutique on Rue de Grenelle, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the remarkable synergy between the creative visions of Paul Smith and Dale Chihuly.
“Paul Curates: Chihuly at the Paul Smith Paris Showroom” will run from April 25, 2024, to May 2, 2024, with each artwork available for purchase. To discover the exhibition through a private viewing, please register here or contact João Pinto – joão.pinto@paulsmith.co.uk. The Chihuly exhibition at the Paul Smith Rue de Grenelle boutique, featuring exclusively Studio Edition pieces, will be held from May 3 to June 2, 2024.
Paul Smith Paris Showroom – 70 Rue des Archives 75003 Paris
