Alexander Calder (1898–1976) transformed modern sculpture by bringing it to life with motion. Born in Pennsylvania to an artistic family, he first studied Mechanical Engineering, which informed his later work. Fascinated by the circus, he introduced themes of playfulness and movement into his art, creating “Cirque Calder,” a whimsical miniature circus that he performed for friends, foreshadowing performance art.

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In the 1920s, Calder moved to Paris, where he connected with leading modernists like Joan Miró. Known as “The Wire King,” he began “drawing in space” with wire, crafting intricate figures. His most revolutionary works were “mobiles”—suspended, kinetic sculptures that moved with air currents. Named by Marcel Duchamp, these mobiles redefined sculpture and established Calder as a pioneer of kinetic art.

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By 1943, Calder was the youngest artist to receive a retrospective at MoMA. His enduring legacy of over 22,000 works continues to enchant major collections worldwide.