Alexander Calder

Biography

Alexander Calder (1898-1976) was an American artist whose practice of drawing was fundamental and manifested itself in innovative ways throughout his career. From the outset, he used drawing to capture the movement and essence of his subjects, notably through illustrations for the New York press depicting sports and circus scenes. In 1926, he published “Animal Sketching”, a collection of animal drawings that testify to his interest in movement and animal life.

Based in Paris, Calder developed the concept of “drawing in space”, creating wire sculptures that translated his sketches into three dimensions. This innovative approach enabled him to explore notions of volume and movement in a new way.

At the same time, Calder collaborated with writers and poets, illustrating their works with his drawings. Notably, he worked with Yves Elléouët on “La Proue de la Table” in 1967, where his illustrations accompanied Elléouët's poetic texts, creating a harmonious fusion of visual art and literature.

Throughout his career, drawing remained an essential means of expression for Calder, enabling him to explore and develop the fundamental concepts of his art, centered on movement, space and the fluidity of form.

His work can be found in some of the world's most prestigious modern art collections, including those of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, and the National Gallery of Art, Washington.