Description
Book Synopsis: The man who put the swing into sculpture
When the final tally of key movers in the plastic arts of this century is compiled, there is no doubt that maestro of movement Alexander Calder (1898-1976), the man who put the swing into sculpture, will be near numero uno. Calder took it off the plinth, gave it to the wind, and left us kinetic playgrounds of the spirit. He operated at the point where Modernity and nature fused, developing an environmental art that changed the medium forever. Visiting his Paris atelier in 1932, Duchamp coined the term "Mobiles" for Calder`s delicate wire and disc pieces, constructions that would soon become immensely popular.
But he didn’t rest on his innovations. Friends with Miro, Mondrian and Leger, Calder also turned his hand to painting, drawing, gouaches, toys, textiles and utensil design. A graphic master who sketched as much in air as in ink, the Sixties and Seventies saw Calder take on the monumental, translating the dynamics of cities into both his Mobiles and "Stabiles". At a time when sculpture was perceived to be the antithesis of movement, Calder unmade gravity and freed the elements in a body of work that is still sending a wind of change through the art world today.
About the Series: Each book in TASCHEN’s Basic Art Series features: a detailed chronological summary of the life and oeuvre of the artist, covering his or her cultural and historical importance a concise biography approximately 100 colour illustrations with explanatory captions Read more
Details
Discover the captivating world of Alexander Calder, the maestro of movement who revolutionized sculpture in the 20th century. Known for his unique ability to infuse his creations with a sense of dynamism, Calder's artwork truly comes alive. From his visionary "Mobiles" to his monumental "Stabiles," his pieces have the power to mesmerize and enchant. Get lost in his kinetic playgrounds of the spirit and experience the art that changed the medium forever.
Step into the realm of Calder's artistic genius, where Modernity and nature intertwine seamlessly. Witness the transformation of everyday objects into works of art as he takes sculpture off the plinth and into the wind. Embrace the innovative and delicate wire and disc constructions that earned him the title of "Mobiles," a term coined by none other than Duchamp himself. Immerse yourself in a visual journey as approximately 100 vibrant illustrations guide you through Calder's remarkable career.
But Calder's talents extend beyond sculpture. With friends like Miro, Mondrian, and Leger, his influence expanded into the worlds of painting, drawing, textiles, toys, and even utensil design. His creativity knew no bounds as he sketched both in the air and on paper, capturing the essence of movement and fluidity. Witness the evolution of his art as he tackles monumental projects and translates the dynamics of cities into his creations.
As you explore the pages of this book, you'll come to appreciate Calder's unrivaled ability to defy gravity and liberate the elements. His body of work continues to defy expectations and send a wind of change through the art world today. Don't miss your chance to delve into the life and oeuvre of this visionary artist. Order your copy of "Calder" from TASCHEN's Basic Art Series and experience the brilliance of Alexander Calder for yourself.
Ready to embark on a visual journey through Calder's groundbreaking art? Order your copy of "Calder" now and join the ranks of art enthusiasts who have been forever changed by the mastery of movement.
Discover More Best Sellers in Collections, Catalogs & Exhibitions
Shop Collections, Catalogs & Exhibitions
National Portrait Gallery: A Portrait of Britain
$34.56


The Queen's Dolls' House: A Dollhouse Made for Queen Mary
$20.96


101 Treasures from the National Library of Israel
$60.00


German Expressionist Woodcuts (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)
$15.95


In the Holocene (Sternberg Press)
$35.00


Raw Creation: Outsider Art and Beyond
$97.54
