Twining Black 1971

Alexander Calder made this playful gouache painting in 1971, using a bright yellow background, red, and blue shapes, and a snaking black line. It’s got that signature Calder vibe – bold, simple, and kinda joyous. You know, Calder was all about movement, so I wonder if the process of making the work was like a dance for him. Imagine him figuring out where that black line should go, almost like conducting a silent orchestra. It's amazing how he could make something so dynamic with just a few colors and shapes. It kind of reminds me of Miró, but with a Calder twist, more grounded and balanced. The blobs of color, laid down fairly quickly, seem to float against the yellow ground, brought to life by the wandering black mark. You get the feeling that these artists are all talking to each other through their work, bouncing ideas around across time. Painting is never a solo act, it’s always a conversation.