Calder Foundation

Featured Text

Mobiles by Alexander Calder

James Johnson Sweeney Pierre Matisse Gallery, New York. Mobiles by Alexander Calder. Exhibition catalogue. 1934.

The evolution of Calder’s work epitomizes the evolution of plastic art in the present century. Out of a tradition of naturalistic representation, it has worked by a simplification of expressional means to a plastic concept which leans on the shapes of the natural world only as a source from which to abstract the elements of form.

First we have a reduction of volumes to contour lines—a sort of spatial calligraphy in wire—which gave a freer field to fantasy, but, at the same time, laid a stronger emphasis on essentials. Then a growing interest in the bases of plastic organization—texture contrasts, primary colors, simple rhythms. Finally a new fusion of these elements into forms interesting not so much in their representational character as for themselves.

And it is in the ability to effect this fusion that Calder’s quality lies. Moscow as early as 1921 had seen constructivism a realization. But Tatlin’s and Obmochu’s constructions remained architecture and machines. Calder personalizes his “mobiles” with a lyricism entirely his own—a freshness, gaiety and charm.

Featured Texts 96

Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover, Massachusetts. 17 Mobiles by Alexander Calder. Exhibition catalogue. 1943.

Alexander Calder, Statement

Solo Exhibition Catalogue

Almine Rech Gallery, New York. Calder and Picasso. Exhibition catalogue. 2016.

Robert Slifkin, The Mobile Line

Susan Braeuer Dam, Liberating Lines

Jordana Mendelson, Picasso, Miró, and Calder at the 1937 Spanish Pavilion in Paris

Group Exhibition Catalogue

Pace Gallery, New York, and Acquavella Galleries Inc., New York. Calder/Miró: Constellations. Exhibition catalogue. New York: Rizzoli, 2017. Boxed set includes three volumes: Calder: Constellations, Miró: Constellations, and Calder/Miró: Chronology and Correspondence.

Alexander S. C. Rower, Deployed Nuclei

Group Exhibition Catalogue

Denver Botanic Gardens. Calder: Monumental. Exhibition catalogue. 2017.

Alexander S. C. Rower, Approximations of Perfection

Solo Exhibition Catalogue