Striped Face 1970

Editor: Here we have Alexander Calder’s "Striped Face," created in 1970 with ink on paper. The stark black lines forming the face are quite striking. I’m really intrigued by the eyes, they're like swirling galaxies. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This drawing makes me think about how identities are constructed and perceived. The simplification, almost abstraction, of the facial features challenges traditional portraiture. Consider the time it was made—1970. What social movements were gaining traction then? The Civil Rights Movement, second-wave feminism. Perhaps Calder, known for his playful forms, is also engaging in a visual commentary on how society flattens individuals into categories, strips away nuances. Do you see any sense of protest in its abstraction? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way, but the bold, almost harsh lines could definitely suggest a forceful statement. It does feel different from his mobiles. Curator: Exactly. The high contrast and geometric patterns evoke questions about conformity versus individuality. This work serves as a visual resistance against the constraints of traditional representation, urging us to look beyond superficial characteristics and confront the deeper structures that shape identity. How does it make you reconsider the role of portraiture in activism? Editor: It definitely expands my understanding. I always thought of portraits as celebrating individuals, but this is more like questioning the idea of the individual. I suppose the artist is reflecting that society puts a striped face on each of us? Curator: Precisely! It invites critical reflection. The art of social change often finds its voice in unexpected forms. Editor: I'll definitely look at Calder's work, and other abstract portraits, with fresh eyes now. Thanks for sharing your insights! Curator: It's my pleasure! Art is a powerful lens through which we can examine our world.