Alexander Calder: Pioneer of Modern Sculpture

Introduction

Alexander Calder (1898–1976), a renowned American sculptor, was recognized for his innovative approach to contemporary art. Born into a family of talented artists, Calder's early exposure to artistic expression laid the foundation for his creative career. This article delves into Calder's formative years and how he evolved into an influential artist of the 20th century, focusing on his mastery of mobiles, stabiles, and his multidisciplinary approach to art.

Early Life and Education

Born in Lawnton, Pennsylvania, Calder's upbringing was steeped in artistic influence. His grandfather sculpted Philadelphia's William Penn statue, his father created George Washington at Peace gracing the Washington Square Arch in New York City, and his mother was a portrait artist who studied art at the Sorbonne in Paris. As a child, Calder developed an interest in constructing objects using materials like wood and wire, which led him to pursue engineering studies. He attended Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and applied kinetics in 1919.

Artistic Beginnings

After working various jobs, Calder decided to focus on painting and enrolled at the Art Students League in New York City. Simultaneously, he worked as an illustrator for the National Police Gazette. During this period, Calder began creating small sculptures that were more appreciated for their mechanical aspects rather than artistic ones. He was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized handcraftsmanship and simplicity in design.

Wire Sculpture and Circus Performances

An assignment to produce illustrations of a circus sparked Calder's passion for artistry. He started crafting elaborate wire sculptures representing circus performers that moved gracefully, earning him the nickname "drawing in space." These sculptures featured wire frameworks connected through intricate networks of strings, wire, and other materials, mimicking the aesthetics of his illustrations. His works were enthusiastically received in Paris and the United States, particularly by avant-garde circles, leading to his first solo exhibition of wire sculpture in 1929 at Galerie Billiet in Paris.

Transition into Abstract Art

Calder's visit to Piet Mondrian's studio, filled with removable rectangles of red, blue, and yellow on stark white walls, ignited his desire to create abstract and kinetic art. He sought to develop sculptures with unpredictable movement, devising abstract tabletop compositions of movable geometric shapes, primarily spheres painted in vibrant colors such as reds, blues, and yellows. Calder aimed to create works whose motion was more organic and subject to natural elements like wind instead of mechanical devices' predetermined rhythm.

Mobiles and Stabiles

Calder is most famously known for pioneering the art form of mobiles, which consists of free-standing structures that hang off walls or ceilings. These works were contrasted with his stabile pieces, those that stood independently on their bases, humorously coined by Jean Arp. His mobile creations introduced the concept of interplay between motion and stillness within sculptural forms, offering viewers a dynamic experience of visual perception and interaction.

Beyond Sculpture

Calder diversified his artistic practice beyond sculpture. He illustrated books and journals, including one featuring line drawings inspired by Aesop's fables. Additionally, he created prints and drawings, some of which showcase simple lines reminiscent of his drawing in space technique. Calder also ventured into other media by creating gifts for friends and relatives, showcasing his versatility and creativity. Moreover, he was commissioned to paint a Braniff Douglas DC-8-62 airplane with a South American inspired design, further demonstrating his multimedia approach.

Influence and Legacy

Alexander Calder's innovative contributions to the art world have left an enduring legacy. His introduction of movement and abstract concepts into sculpture continues to inspire artists today. As one of America's most celebrated 20th century sculptors, Calder's work remains a testament to his unique vision and artistic prowess, bridging the gap between mechanically engineered structures and organic forms found in nature.