Alexander Calder
About the Artist:
Historical Context:
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The studio of photographer Alfred Stieglitz becomes a haven for emerging
Abstractionists (ex. O’Keefe and Marin).
The art scene dramatically changes after the 1913 New York Armory Show that
showcased European art.
o It encouraged artists to adapt in order to not become obsolete
The art of Abstractionist was not as appreciated by the mainstream audience
which resulted in artists working in a more secluded environment.
o The artists were supported by each other as well as an emerging group
of supporters.
Movement: Abstraction
An art movement that placed more importance on design, rather than on
depicting a subject in a realistic manner. The subject is typically simplified to
the its base line, shape or colours.
Artworks:
Acrobats (c.1927)
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Miró’s influence is evident
(in the form of the figures)
Showcases Calder’s
Lobster Trap and Fish Tails
(1939)
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interest in the circus
Example of a mobile
Mondrian’s influence is
evident. (In the colours of
the mobile)
L’Homme (1969)
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Example of a stabile
Created for the 1967 World Fair that
was held in Montreal.
Arp’s influence is evident (In the form
of the sculpture)
> Originally started out
creating metaphorical
paintings but after
going to see
Mondrian’s studio,
Calder moved from
figuration to
abstraction.
>Influenced by Arp,
Mondrian and Miró.
>One of the first
artists to work with
abstracted shapes in
space.
>Paved the way for
kinetic art
>Characteristics
include:
+ Subject matter often
features animals or
figures.
+Light and airy feeling.
+Mostly worked with
sculpture (either
mobiles or stabiles.)
+Early work: majority
consists of sculpture
made of wire.
+In between: majority
consists of mobiles and
stabiles and jewelry
+Later work: majority
consists of stabiles of
monumental form
* Note:
Stabile: A upright sculpture
possessing transferrable
parts
Mobile: A stable creation
with kinetic sections that can
be easily set into motion.
Gershman, Rachel. “Alexander Calder”. TheArtStory.org. The Art Story Foundation. n.d Web. December
1, 2014.
“Alex Calder’s Sculpture titled “L’homme” (The Man) in Montreal”. Atrsology®. n.p. n.d. Web.
December 7, 2014
Calder Foundation. Calder Foundation. Web. December 7, 2014.
Brommer, Gerald F. Discovering Art History. Worcester: Davis Publications, Inc. 1997. Print