BELT 1943

This belt was made by Alexander Calder, an American sculptor known for his kinetic mobiles and stabiles. In the mid-20th century, when this belt was crafted, there was a growing interest in blurring the boundaries between art and everyday life. Calder, trained as a mechanical engineer, was drawn to the idea of bringing art into the realm of functional objects, challenging the traditional hierarchies of the art world. He saw the potential for art to be more accessible and integrated into people's lives. The handmade quality of the belt, evident in the hammered texture of the brass buckle, reflects a desire to resist the mass-produced culture that dominated the economy. It is a gesture that speaks to the value of craftsmanship and the human touch, traits that were increasingly marginalized by industrialization. Historical research into the materials, techniques, and cultural context of this belt provides a fuller understanding of its significance, reminding us that art is always a product of its time and place.