From Ice to Water: World-Renowned Glass Artist Peter Bremers Debuts a New, Ice Cold Collection at the Chrysler Museum of Art

Peter Bremers (Dutch, born 1957)
Melting Glacier I, 2023
Kiln cast glass
Courtesy of the artist
Photo credit: © P. Bremers

NORFOLK, VA (May 31, 2024) – The Chrysler Museum of Art is thrilled to announce Peter Bremers: Ice to Water will be on view in the Glass Project Space at the Museum, One Memorial Pl, Norfolk from Sept 5, 2024–Jan. 19, 2025.

Influenced by his journeys to Iceland and his meditations on the rapidly melting glaciers, Peter Bremers (Dutch, born 1957) debuts new work in Ice to Water. Sixteen sculptures inspired by the natural world are displayed alongside photographic images the artist captured during his explorations of these changing landscapes.

To the coastal community of Norfolk, Virginia, which the Chrysler Museum calls home, this group of artworks not only symbolizes the worldwide impact of climate change but also reflects challenges we face locally due to sea level rise.

“When Peter and I were discussing ideas for an exhibition of his work at the Chrysler Museum, he mentioned in passing that he was going back to Iceland and rethinking a series of sculptures inspired by melting ice,” said Carolyn Needell, Barry Curator of Glass. “I was thrilled to hear about this new direction because of its relevance to our Hampton Roads community, and I suggested that it be the focus for our show.”

Originally visiting Antarctica and the Arctic in 2001—journeys which served as the impetus for his Icebergs & Paraphernalia series—Bremers took a stance to highlight natural beauty while remaining neutral towards environmental issues. Now, twenty years later, Bremers was moved to revisit his Icebergs series at a moment when climate change has accelerated the retreat of glaciers.

“I can no longer ignore what we face daily,” the artist says. Simultaneously, Bremers reflects, “This impermanence is also full of beauty and wonder. From ice to water.”

EXHIBITION PROGRAMMING

First Thursday
Thursday, September 5, 6 p.m.
Whether living in Iceland’s frosty peaks or Hampton Roads’s vibrant landscapes, our natural landscapes are ever-evolving. Explore Peter Bremers: Ice to Water, view researcher Kieran Andrew Baxter’s short film on Iceland’s melting glaciers, engage with the Elizabeth River Project to appreciate the local efforts of addressing our changing landscape, and participate in art-making activities while enjoying a performance by the Norfolk Dance Collective.
Free

Teen Homeschool Studio
Tuesday, September 10, 1 p.m.
Twist and bend wire to create mind-bending abstract forms inspired by artwork from this exhibition.
$8 for Museum members, $15 non-members
Registration recommended

Homeschool Studio
Wednesday, September 11, 1:30 p.m.
Experiment with silk painting and color mixing inspired by flowing colors in Ice to Water.

Second Saturday Art Pop-Up
Saturday, September 14, 11 a.m.
Explore flowing, curvy forms to create a translucent sculpture using surprising materials inspired by works of art by Peter Bremers.
Free
Registration required

Pre-K Art Play
Thursday, December 4, 10:30 a.m.
Explore frosty findings and create wild and wet works of art.
Free

In Conversation with Carolyn Needell and Peter Bremers, Virtual
Thursday, December 5, 2 p.m.
Join us online for an intimate and illuminating look at Ice to Water followed by a live Q+A with the acclaimed sculptor Peter Bremers moderated by curator Carolyn Needell. Given the global impact of Bremer’s work, this program is online for the world to attend this unique glimpse into Bremer’s creative process.
Free
Registration Required

Community Panel on the Intersection of Climate and Art, Elizabeth River Project’s Ryan Resilience Center
Friday, December 6, 7 p.m.
Join this thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the intersection of climate and art. Featuring renowned sculptor Peter Bremers, local university scholars, and students to discuss the role of art in raising awareness, inspiring action, and fostering dialogue around pressing climate issues.
Free
Registration Required

Dinner with Peter Bremers, Glass Light Gallery & Hotel
Saturday, December 7, 6 p.m.
Set in the intimate setting at the Glass Light Hotel, this exclusive event offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a brief talk by one of the world’s foremost artists paired with a gourmet feast and wine.
$225 per person
Registration Required

Tickle My Ears
Thursday, January 15, 10:30 a.m.
Brrrr! It’s cold outside. What could be better than playing with ice and water and listening to warm stories that build babies’ vocabulary?
Free

This exhibition is organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art and curated by Carolyn Swan Needell, Barry Curator of Glass. Bremers’ work can also be found at Norfolk’s Glass Light Hotel, where his two monumental pink glass bunnies preside over the lobby and bar.

This exhibition is generously supported by the Perry Family Foundation.

Exhibition programming is supported as part of the Dutch Culture USA program by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York.

This project has received funding through a grant from the Netherland-America Foundation.

ABOUT THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART

The Chrysler Museum of Art brings art and people together through experiences that delight, inform, and inspire. Internationally recognized for its collection of more than 30,000 objects, including one the largest glass collections in America, the Museum also includes free admission, the state-of-the-art Perry Glass Studio, a full-service restaurant, shop, theater, works on paper space, and oversees the historic Myers House. The Museum boasts an ambitious schedule of exhibitions, events, and programs, and has been nationally recognized for its commitment to inclusion through its innovative gallery host program. For more information, visit chrysler.org. Follow on social media @ChryslerMuseum to receive the latest updates.

####                                                                         

For more information or interview assistance, please contact Tanya Kaish Keller, Public Relations Advisor, at Qantm Creative at tanya@qantmcreative.com.

High-resolution images and credits are available. Permission and credit are required for the use of all images, print or digital. Cropping may not be permitted on some images; see caption sheet if applicable.