Striped Woman 1946

Alexander Calder painted Striped Woman with paint, and a playful spirit. See how the colours are laid down, bold strokes of yellow, red, and black, contained within clear outlines. It's like he’s thinking aloud, each line a step in the process. The materiality here is so present. The surface has a slightly rough texture where you can almost feel the drag of the brush. Notice the eyes, how they become shapes, spirals. The red pulls your gaze, and there's a hint of humour in the way the body just becomes a field of yellow stripes. Calder, of course, is known for his mobiles. This painting feels connected to that sensibility, creating a visual rhythm with lines that almost dance. The way he embraces simplicity reminds me of Miró – that same joyful approach to form and colour. It's a reminder that art doesn't always have to be serious; it can be a game of shapes and colours.