Alexander Calder Jute Tapestry, 1974 Guatemala

Combining abstract surrealism and biomorphic imagery into a distinctive style, Calder has become one of the 20th Century’s most iconic and important artists. Besides sculptures, Calder was also prolific in other art forms. He produced jewelry, tapestry and stage designs, as well as drawings, oil paintings, water colors, etchings, lithographs and serigraphs. Born in Philadelphia in 1898 Alexander Calder (1898 – 1976) was a monumental artist. He invented the mobile, and airy, hanging structure connected by wires that are set in motion by the wind. These mobiles tremendously influenced the art world. Calder’s versions celebrated form and color, with simplicity and profundity. As a trained engineer, began to practice as a freelance artist after attending New York’s Art Students League. Calder was strongly inspired circus spectacle, and thus constructed entertaining mobiles often accompanied by music. Producing dynamic yet playful mobile sculptures, Calder dismissed the formal structures of art and redefined its infinite possibilities.