Alexander Calder: Performing Sculpture

Running until 3 April 2016, Tate Modern is hosting a retrospective by the American sculptor Alexander Calder. Calder was a radical figure who pioneered kinetic sculpture, bringing movement to static objects, he was hailed the originator of the mobile, a sort of moving sculpture created with delicately balanced or suspended shapes that move in response to the touch or air currents.

Calder’s monumental stationary sculptures are known as stabiles. He additionally made wire figures that are like drawings created in space, and notably a miniature circus work that was performed by the creator. The artists aerial sculptures are unquestionably beautiful: fine balanced arrangements of forms like waving leaves, subatomic particles or celestial bodies, suspended from the lightest possible cat’s cradle of wire.

This exhibition continues Tate Modern’s acclaimed reassessments of key figures in Modernism. Alexander Calder: Performing Sculpture reveals how motion, performance and theatricality underpinned his practice, showcasing his collaborative projects within the fields of film, theatre, music and dance.

Below we have selected a few of our favourite pieces inspired by the Calder show.

Lea Stein brooch, avaliable from Gillian Horsup

Vintage aqua blue thermoset necklace by Trifari, avaliabe from Arabella Bianco

Pink glass Art Deco necklace & earrings, avaliable from Gillian Horsup

20th century beaded onyx necklace, available from Allison Massey

Red & white Art Deco necklace, available from Gillian Horsup