Alexander Calder

Overview

‘Just as one can compose colours, or forms, so one can compose motions’

Alexander Calder is celebrated for his ability to capture movement, most well-known for his iconic mobiles, which explore balance, dynamism and spatial interaction. Calder’s printmaking practice incorporates the liveliness of his sculptures, identified by their bold, primary colours, whimsical shapes and geometry, the artist’s works on paper masterfully express the essence of motion through striking composition.

Related Artists

Joan Miró

Works

Seahorse, 1962
Untitled, 1964
Pennants, 1965
Wheel and Stripes, 1970
Serpent au Vitral, 1970
Composition aux Cercles, 1975
Animals, from Our Unfinished Revolution, 1976
Octopus, from Our Unfinished Revolution, 1976
Frontispiece, from Our Unfinished Revolution, 1976
L'Etoile Rouge Sold

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Biography

Alexander Calder was a pioneering American sculptor. Celebrated for his kinetic work, his iconic ‘mobiles’ and ‘stabiles’ explored balance, dynamism and spatial interaction. Beyond his pioneering ability to capture movement, he is also known for his work spanning multiple mediums such as paintings, drawings, and even theatrical designs. Calder’s printmaking practice incorporates the liveliness of his sculptures, identified by their bold, primary colours, whimsical shapes and geometry. The artist’s works on paper masterfully express the essence of motion through striking composition.

When Calder had his retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York (1943), aged 45, he was the youngest artist to have been granted the honour. He has since had several major solo shows at institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum, New York (1964) and the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (1976). In 2026, a centenary of his work was held at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris.

Exhibitions