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Alexander Calder

22/07/1898 – 11/11/1976

Alexander Calder, born in 1898 in Lawnton, Pennsylvania, and passed away in 1976, was a revolutionary American sculptor and artist. He is best known for inventing the mobile, a form of art where sculptural elements are suspended and move harmoniously with the ambient air. This innovation marked a significant departure from traditional sculpture design, introducing the concept of constant movement and change in otherwise static structures.

Calder began his career by creating toys and wire figurines, progressing to larger and more complex works. His mobiles are characterized by their lightness and ability to change shape with the air. In parallel, his stabiles (static sculptures) show his interest in the dynamics and interaction between forms and space. Additionally, his works are painted in vibrant primary palettes—red, blue, and yellow—which accentuate their playful and visual presence.

Besides his sculptures, Calder was also an accomplished painter. He created significant jewelry pieces, demonstrating his wide range of artistic talents and innovative approach to design. His work had a profound impact on modern design, influencing generations of artists and designers in their approach to space and movement.