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Hot Chaos IV

  • Toots Zynsky, Hot Chaos IV, 1996, glass threads, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Renwick Gallery, 1997.94, © 1996, Toots Zynsky

Luce Center Label

Toots Zynsky slumps layers of fused glass threads into hollow forms that seem almost pliable, as if made from fabric. She participated in a music-recording project in Ghana, and the powerful music, vibrant colors, and diverse people she encountered there have greatly influenced her work. This is especially evident in the Chaos series, with its celebration of brilliant primary colors and energetic texture.

Luce Object Quote
"The constant interaction of color and light transmitted through and around the many undulating interior and exterior surfaces gives each piece its ever changing life." Toots Zynsky, Neues Glas, 2002
Title
Hot Chaos IV
Artist
Toots Zynsky
Date
1996
Location
  1. Smithsonian American Art Museum
  2. Luce Foundation Center
  3. 4th Floor
  4. 56A
Dimensions
7 3/4 x 13 3/4 x 9 1/4 in. (19.7 x 34.9 x 23.5 cm.)
Copyright
© 1996, Toots Zynsky
Credit Line

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Gift of the James Renwick Alliance on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Renwick Gallery

Mediums
glass
Mediums Description
glass threads
Classifications
Decorative Arts
Glass
Object Number
1997.94
Palette
Linked Open Data URI
Videos
Date

    • Toots Zynsky was born Mary Ann, but was called Toots almost from birth. She earned her BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design then went to Seattle to study with Dale Chihuly at the Pilchuck Glass School. Since then, she has returned to Pilchuck as a teacher. In the mid-1980s, she spent six months in Ghana, on a special research project, recording Ghanaian music. In 1995, her work was shown at special exhibitions in Tokyo, Zurich, Italy, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

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