Alexander Calder (1898-1976) American
Works
Biography
Untitled, 1971
Alexander Calder (1898–1976) was an American sculptor renowned for pioneering kinetic art through his innovative mobiles and static "stabiles." Born in Pennsylvania, Calder initially pursued mechanical engineering at the Stevens Institute of Technology. However, in 1923, he shifted his focus to art, enrolling at the Art Students League in New York. His early career included work as an illustrator, notably capturing urban scenes and sporting events for the National Police Gazette.
In 1926, Calder moved to Paris, where he immersed himself in the avant-garde art scene and befriended artists like Marcel Duchamp, Jean Arp, and Fernand Léger. During this period, he created the "Cirque Calder," a miniature circus composed of wire, cloth, and found objects, which he performed for audiences in Europe and America. This endeavor marked the beginning of his exploration into kinetic art.
Calder's fascination with movement led him to develop sculptures that incorporated motion, initially through mechanical means and later by harnessing natural air currents. Duchamp coined the term "mobile" to describe these dynamic works. Concurrently, Calder produced static sculptures, termed "stabiles" by Arp, which emphasized form and balance without movement.
Throughout his career, Calder received numerous public commissions, creating monumental sculptures displayed worldwide. Notable examples include ".125" (1957) for JFK Airport in New York, "Spirale" (1958) for UNESCO in Paris, and "El Sol Rojo" (1968) outside Aztec Stadium in Mexico City. His works are held in esteemed collections such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.
Bailly Gallery is honored to feature Alexander Calder's artworks, including his iconic mobiles. The gallery offers private viewings and welcomes art enthusiasts to explore available pieces. For inquiries or to arrange an appointment, please contact the gallery.
In 1926, Calder moved to Paris, where he immersed himself in the avant-garde art scene and befriended artists like Marcel Duchamp, Jean Arp, and Fernand Léger. During this period, he created the "Cirque Calder," a miniature circus composed of wire, cloth, and found objects, which he performed for audiences in Europe and America. This endeavor marked the beginning of his exploration into kinetic art.
Calder's fascination with movement led him to develop sculptures that incorporated motion, initially through mechanical means and later by harnessing natural air currents. Duchamp coined the term "mobile" to describe these dynamic works. Concurrently, Calder produced static sculptures, termed "stabiles" by Arp, which emphasized form and balance without movement.
Throughout his career, Calder received numerous public commissions, creating monumental sculptures displayed worldwide. Notable examples include ".125" (1957) for JFK Airport in New York, "Spirale" (1958) for UNESCO in Paris, and "El Sol Rojo" (1968) outside Aztec Stadium in Mexico City. His works are held in esteemed collections such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.
Bailly Gallery is honored to feature Alexander Calder's artworks, including his iconic mobiles. The gallery offers private viewings and welcomes art enthusiasts to explore available pieces. For inquiries or to arrange an appointment, please contact the gallery.
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