Alexander Calder
- Born:
- July 22, 1898, Lawnton, Pennsylvania, USA
- Died:
- November 11, 1976, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Sculptor, Painter, Printmaker, Designer
Early Life and Education
- Born into a family of artists: his father, Alexander Stirling Calder, was a sculptor and his mother, Nanette Lederer Calder, was a painter.
- Early interest in mechanical objects and creating toys.
- Graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1919 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
- Studied painting at the Art Students League in New York City from 1923 to 1926.
Career and Major Achievements
- Early work involved wire sculpture and illustrations for publications.
- Moved to Paris in 1926 and developed his "Cirque Calder," a miniature circus performed using wire figures.
- Began creating abstract, non-representational sculptures in the late 1920s.
- Developed "mobiles," suspended kinetic sculptures that move with air currents, becoming his most recognizable creation.
- Created "stabiles," stationary abstract sculptures made from sheet metal.
- Commissioned to create large-scale public sculptures for various locations worldwide.
Notable Works
- Cirque Calder (1926-1931)
- Lobster Trap and Fish Tail (1939)
- Mercury Fountain (1937)
- .125 (1957)
- Teodelapio (1962)
- Flamingo (1973)
Legacy and Impact
Alexander Calder revolutionized sculpture by introducing the element of movement. His mobiles and stabiles blurred the lines between sculpture and performance art, influencing generations of artists. Information on alexander calder biography video on george can provide additional insights into his life and artistic process. His works are celebrated for their playful elegance and innovative use of materials.