Large Black Face with Sun 1968

This is Alexander Calder's "Large Black Face with Sun," made in 1968. It’s a painting that really gets you thinking about shapes and how they play together. Look at the sun itself, a big orange circle, not trying to be anything other than exactly what it is, a flat, bold shape. Then you’ve got this black face with its spikey solar flare hair, staring right back at you with big, simple eyes. The way Calder uses the black paint is so direct. It’s not about blending or shading; it’s about laying down these solid blocks of color. There’s no hiding the brushstrokes, you can see how each shape was built up, one stroke at a time. This piece reminds me a little of Joan Miró, with the same playful sense of abstraction. But where Miró gets all whimsical, Calder keeps it grounded with a sense of humor and directness. It’s bold, simple, and kind of makes you smile. Isn't it interesting how much feeling can come from a few shapes and colors?