Tricolored Horse 1974

Curator: Alexander Calder's "Tricolored Horse," painted in 1974, is a fascinating piece utilizing acrylic paint to depict a scene seemingly pulled straight from a whimsical circus performance. Editor: My first impression is pure joy—the boldness of the colors, the simplified forms. It's all very striking in its composition. It really resonates with something childlike, almost primitive. Curator: Interesting. The process behind its creation is noteworthy. Calder, known for his sculptures and mobiles, often applied that same sensibility to his paintings. He adopted readily available materials, blurring boundaries. Look at the black outlines used here, their application and function in describing form is fascinating. Editor: Precisely. I am struck by the expressive lines—they are so energetic and carefree! The triadic palette is masterfully controlled with bold outlines that separate the figures and generate visual tension. There is a sense of movement within its simplified figuration; one cannot avoid decoding the symbolic use of the colour red across the surface of the composition, from the dog's form to the trainer’s head, it really generates dynamism across the piece. Curator: I would agree about dynamism. I think it evokes not only Pop Art but also touches upon Expressionism, which is a unique and thought provoking approach for Calder in the 70’s. Calder himself moved fluidly between fine art and commercial endeavors; a crucial aspect in appreciating how artistic worth is defined within consumer culture. Editor: Your points underscore how important context and fabrication were to his artistic message. It’s evident that in its playful appearance, "Tricolored Horse" invites deeper consideration of not just how we perceive it, but why. It allows the viewer to participate within its playful scene by projecting their ideas. Curator: Seeing "Tricolored Horse" has certainly offered a fresh perspective on the links between labor and materials within Calder’s creative trajectory. Editor: And it's been delightful deconstructing how form informs and shapes such an exuberant pictorial atmosphere.