Contents
Alexander Calder
Inventing mobiles that made movement part of abstract sculpture.
Calder’s Circus · Lobster Trap and Fish Tail
- Born
- 1898
- Birthplace
- Lawnton, Pennsylvania, United States
- Died
- 11 November 1976
More people
Alexander Calder
American sculptor whose wire figures, suspended forms and monumental works brought play and balance into modern art.
Early life
Artistic family
Grew up with a painter mother and sculptor father and grandfather.
Engineering
Studied mechanical engineering before pursuing art in New York.
Career
- 1920s
Wire and performance
Moved to Paris and developed wire sculpture and a miniature circus.
- 1930s–1940s
Abstract movement
Turned to abstraction and developed suspended moving sculptures.
- 1950s–1970s
Monumental projects
Created large public works alongside jewellery, prints and smaller sculpture.
Selected work
Calder’s Circus
A miniature circus he animated in performances.
Lobster Trap and Fish Tail
A suspended mobile exploring balance and motion.
La Grande Vitesse
A monumental public sculpture in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Beyond work
Marriage
Married Louisa James and raised two daughters.
Handmade gifts
Made jewellery and domestic objects for friends and family as well as gallery works.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and references ↗Biography and contributions ↗Photo: Carl Van Vechten. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
