Print Bio
“The underlying sense of form in my work has been the system of the Universe, or part thereof. For that is a rather large model to work from.”
-Alexander Calder
Alexander Calder was one of the most brilliantly inventive artists of the 20th century. Though he is best remembered for his sculpture, particularly his mobiles, he produced a variety of other works during his extraordinarily prolific career. These include paintings, lithographs, jewelry, toys, and designs for limited-edition textiles like the fanciful jute tapestries.
Long impressed by the work of Central American artisans, Calder designed a set of 10 tapestries in 1975 which were executed by Nicaraguan weavers. Employing special European dyes to match Calder’s signature palette of bold, primary hues, the artisans used teams of weavers and hundreds of needles to complete the project. The tapestries feature the flowing, natural motifs and whimsical circus imagery—spiraling nautilus shells, undulating snakes, a trapeze performer—the hallmarks of Calder’s best graphic work. Designed to be used both as wall hangings and floor mats, the tapestries pleased Calder so much that he acquired several for his own home and studio.
