Early Life and Education
Alexander Calder was born on July 22, 1898, in Lawnton, Pennsylvania. He came from a family of artists – his father was a sculptor and his mother was a painter. This artistic environment inspired Calder from a young age, and he began creating sculptures and paintings as a child. He attended the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, where he studied mechanical engineering. This background in engineering would later influence his innovative approach to sculpture.
Introduction to Sculpture
After graduating from the Stevens Institute of Technology, Calder decided to pursue a career in art. He moved to New York City and enrolled at the Art Students League, where he studied painting and drawing. It was during this time that he was introduced to the work of modernist artists such as Piet Mondrian and Joan Miró, who would have a significant influence on his artistic style.
Mobiles: A New Form of Sculpture
Calder is best known for his invention of the mobile, a type of sculpture that moves in response to air currents. The mobile was a groundbreaking innovation in the world of sculpture, as it challenged the traditional notion of static, immovable art. Calder’s mobiles were made up of abstract shapes suspended from wires, creating dynamic and ever-changing compositions.
Stabiles: Monumental Sculptures
In addition to his mobiles, Calder also created large-scale sculptures known as stabiles. These sculptures were typically made from sheet metal or wire and were designed to be placed in outdoor settings. Calder’s stabiles were often monumental in size, with some reaching heights of over 30 feet. These sculptures became iconic landmarks in cities around the world.
Calder’s Circus
One of Calder’s most famous works is his miniature circus, which he created in the 1920s. The circus consisted of over 100 tiny figures made from wire and cloth, each with its own unique personality and movement. Calder would perform elaborate shows with his circus for friends and family, demonstrating his playful and whimsical approach to art.
Public Commissions
Throughout his career, Calder received numerous commissions for public sculptures. One of his most famous commissions was for the 1939 New York World’s Fair, where he created a massive mobile that hung over the fairgrounds. This commission brought Calder international recognition and solidified his reputation as a leading figure in modern sculpture.
Legacy and Influence
Alexander Calder’s innovative approach to sculpture revolutionized the art world and inspired generations of artists to think outside the box. His use of simple geometric shapes and bold colors continues to influence contemporary artists today. Calder’s work can be found in museums and public spaces around the world, ensuring that his legacy will endure for years to come.
Personal Life
Calder married Louisa James in 1931, and they had two daughters together – Sandra Calder Davidson and Mary Calder Rower. His family provided him with love and support throughout his career, allowing him to focus on his art without distraction.
Later Years
In his later years, Calder continued to create new works and experiment with different materials and techniques. He passed away on November 11, 1976, in New York City due to cardiovascular disease. Despite his passing, Calder’s legacy lives on through his timeless sculptures and enduring influence on the art world.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Alexander Calder received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of sculpture. In 1964, he was awarded the Grand Prize for Sculpture at the Venice Biennale, cementing his status as one of the most important sculptors of his time. He also received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1967 for his outstanding artistic achievements.
Exhibitions
Calder’s work has been featured in countless exhibitions around the world, including retrospectives at prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. These exhibitions have introduced new audiences to Calder’s innovative approach to sculpture and solidified his place in art history.
