Wire Gesture Sculptures

Alexander Calder• American sculptor (b. July 22, 1898, Lawnton, Pa., U.S.—d. Nov. 11, 1976, New

York, N.Y.), best known as the inventor of the mobile and its static abstract counterpart, the stabile

• Mobile-a type of kinetic sculpture the delicately balanced or suspended components of which move in response to motor power or air currents

• stabiles- stationary sculptures.

Interesting point-he graduated in 1919 with a degree in mechanical engineering. For a time he traveled widely and held various engineering jobs. In 1922 he tookdrawing lessons at a night school in New York

City

• This may well be true as Calder’s monumental mobiles combine engineering, tension, balance, grace and lively acrobatic motion – qualities found in the best circus performances

This is our Calder in the National Gallery:Jacaranda 1949

wire and sheet metal with oil paint335 x 444.5 cm approx.Purchased 1977National Gallery of Canada (no. 18812)

Alexander Calder's invention of the mobile liberated sculpture from a static base, setting it in motion. These abstract forms are inspired by the jacaranda tree, which the artist saw during a visit to Brazil. Hints of the long, graceful branches and leaves can be seen in the carefully balanced wires and floating forms.

Read more at Suite101: Cirque Calder: Alexander Calder Inspired By His Sculpted Wire Circus In A Suitcase http://www.suite101.com/content/cirque-calder-a17894#ixzz13sd9yO89

• He also produced numerous wire figures, notably for a vast miniature

circus.

• Calder decided in 1926 to go to Paris, the world centre for modern art. While working on sculpture there, he began for his own amusement to make toylike animals of wood and wire. Out of these he developed a miniature circus, performances of which were attended by many of the leading artists and literary figures in Paris. The little circus figures, as well as his interest in continuous line drawings, led Calder to the creation of wire sculptures