The Surreal Calder

About this book

This delightful book places the artist within the context of Surrealism so that his achievement is more profoundly understood. Alexander Calder (1898-1976) is a key presence in the history of modern art and yet he is rarely seen or remembered in the context from which he initially emerged as an artist. When Calder became "Calder" well known for his signature mobiles and stabiles it was due to a unique variety of presiding influences. His artistic parentage consisted of Marcel Duchamp who provided the name of and concept for the mobile; Piet Mondrian who introduced pure abstraction to him; and Joan Mir who communicated the central theses of Surrealism. Although Calder went on to play a major role in Surrealist manifestations during the formative years of the movement including being shown in the defining 1936 "Exposition surraliste dobjets" in Paris he has since been separated from those beginnings. Indeed at this point in time Calder is never included in exhibitions of Surrealist art even though he was incubated by that phenomenon and contributed mightily to it. This book will put the artist back in midst of Surrealism so that his achievement is more profoundly understood within that context. Works by artists such as Mir Max Ernst Yves Tanguy and Ren Magritte will delineate the Surrealist milieu and some of its chief aspects. The following theses are also explored: Calders wit caricature and linear flights of fancy; his marvelous personages and fantastic creatures; biomorphic forms from an imaginary vision of nature; and his constellations apparent views of celestial space. Distributed for The Menil Collection Exhibition Schedule: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (March 3 May 21 2006) The Menil Collection Houston (September 30 2005 January 15 2006) The Minneapolis Institute of Art (June 11 September 10 2006)