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The title “Glass Experience” conjures images of a relative’s cabinet of kitschy crystal. But this 13,000-square-foot exhibit makes the 4,000-year-old invention of man-made glass, a science we often take for granted, much more relevant than an off-beat aunt’s collection of paperweights.
Beginning with a room of historical objects and explanatory videos, the exhibit’s contents are spread out in tacky glass cases ironically layered with printed material that resembles molten glass. Nevertheless, the bright displays wow with a millennia of the material—beautiful mercury-aided Czech glass; English lead glass that cheaply imitated crystal; air-filtering fiberglass; and prisms, an integral component in binoculars and fiber optics. Subtly, glass revolutionized the way we live—from storing our food, to buying affordable boats and fast cable, to putting a man on the moon in a glass-threaded space suit.
After these elucidating morsels, the exhibition takes a downward turn: Glass work by artists such as Dale Chihuly hog a vast amount of the display space while only a few of the pieces (including a Louis Comfort Tiffany awe-worthy window) offer interesting scientific tidbits or exceptional art value. Lesson to be learned: Leave the art to art museums and their curators.
Fortunately, the best part of the exhibit comes toward the end: Live demos feature two glass makers wielding 2,300-degree Fahrenheit molten-globs. Miked, one of the artisans describes the intricacies of creating a vase or a sculpture while the other—a master with 16 years of experience—tinkers with ovens and shooting flames. Eyed close-up by a raptly attentive audience, these demos make the show almost worth the overpriced $23 ticket.
Nancy
Mon, May 05, at 06:33am
I am amazed that time out would send such a novice to see an exhibit you obviously know nothing about. The presentation was spectacular and indeed the participants gleamed an idea the glass is no longer in Auntie's cupboard. I will definitely forward your comments to Dale ,he will be horrified...
Everyone else ,see the exhibit it's great
Ryan F.
Thu, Apr 24, at 11:05pm
Did Nusser actually see the exhibit? The jaw dropping Chihuly instillation was small in comparison the the huge room for Tiffany, Wright and a live workshop rebuilding a Tiffany ceiling. And she missed the Contemporary Glass Masters and new glass technologies. Art and science work together here. This exhibit has more types of glass and as good an experience, if not better then Corning or Tacoma glass museums. It is hard to recognize this magazine as a credible source after reading this "review".
glass fan
Wed, Apr 23, at 03:33pm
The reviewer (I wouldn't call her a critic) certainly doesn't know her stuff. It's obvious she didn't spend any time there. She has done this ambitious exhibition a disservice and owes them an apology for her ignorance. For instance, the 18th c. English lead glass IS crystal, not a cheap imitation. Did she notice the Baccarat crystal nearby or the crystal chandeliers at the entrance? Wasn't Frank Lloyd Wright or the grouping of major contemporary artists worth mentioning? Pitiful! Boo!
lb
Wed, Apr 23, at 01:40pm
Why would Timeout Chicago send staff who obviously dislikes glass to review a glass exhibition? What a waste of time. I thought this exhibition was interesting, visual and educational. The public should have access to better reviews.
