Fêtes #1 1971

Alexander Calder made this print, Fêtes #1, using paper and simple cutting techniques. These are not traditional art materials or processes, but they can be just as impactful. The vivid blue background is the ground on which Calder arranges graphic elements. A red star sits atop a series of black shapes resembling waves. The paper is flat, but the shapes are dynamic; the star seems to burst with energy, while the waves undulate gently across the bottom of the picture. While Calder is best known for his mobiles, in this work, he's flattening sculpture into graphic form. It’s a simple composition, and the labor involved in its production is minimal; the overall effect is one of lightness and joy. Even in this simple paper-cut print, Calder asks us to think about the relationship between materials, making, and meaning. It blurs the boundaries between fine art, craft, and design.