Spacescape 1965

Alexander Calder made this on paper, a landscape of sorts, or maybe an escape. The red and black suns are a total eclipse in this world. It’s always a pleasure to watch Calder’s line at work, especially when he’s not making those famous hanging mobiles. The lines and shapes almost float on the page. I imagine him, brush in hand, figuring out the push and pull of form and space, balancing the composition, thinking about Miro maybe? Look how a broad brush of black ink forms a pool of dark, reflected in simple lines. I sympathize with his process – the stark contrast and pure confidence of the medium is so playful. The relationship is totally intimate, I can see him working, adjusting the composition until it sings. Painters are always in conversation with each other, building on ideas, reacting, or just riffing. This piece is an amazing example of how something simple can open up a whole new world.