The Chrysler Museum of Art presents the solo exhibition “Peter Bremers: Ice to Water”

Thu, Sep 5 - Sun, Jan 19  2025

The Chrysler Museum of Art, One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA

Exhibition to be opened as part of the museum's First Thursdays cocktail series on September 5, 2024, from 5:30–8:30 p.m.

The Chrysler Museum of Art is thrilled to announce the solo exhibition Peter Bremers: Ice to Water, which will be on view in the Glass Project Space at the Museum, One Memorial Pl, Norfolk from September 5, 2024 until January 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.”

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.

Exhibition publication

Learn about the beauty and fragility of the Earth’s polar regions through Peter Bremers’ stunning photography and cast glass sculptures. The museum’s shop will offer a gorgeous book accompanying the exhibition. It includes a note from the artist and an essay by the Carolyn and Richard Barry Curator of Glass, Carolyn Swan Needell, Ph.D. The book can be ordered here.

About the artist

Peter Bremers (born 1957) is a Dutch sculptor working in the medium of glass. He studied at the Maastricht School of Fine Arts, and at the Jan van Eyck Academie in the Netherlands. Two of his large-scale cast glass rabbits are installed in Norfolk, Virginia in the lobby of the Glass Light Hotel on Granby Street, just a few blocks from the Chrysler Museum.

About the curator

Carolyn Swan Needell, Ph.D., is the Carolyn and Richard Barry Curator of Glass here at the Chrysler Museum of Art. Swan Needell is an expert in ancient and modern glass and also holds valuable glassblowing and casting experience that pairs well with the Chrysler Museum’s Perry Glass Studio. Swan Needell has specialized in the study of glass for more than 15 years. She holds a doctorate from Brown University, master’s degrees from the University of Leicester and University College London and a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College.

About the museum

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 35,000 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.

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.
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