Synopses & Reviews
In 1926, Alexander Calder (1898and#150;1976) moved from New York to Paris and began to use time and motion as "materials" for animating line and space. Calderand#8217;s years in Parisand#150;and#150;an understudied part of the artistand#8217;s careerand#150;and#150;is the focus of this marvelous publication.
and#160;
A team of international scholars discusses Calderand#8217;s many innovations of this period, chief among them his abstract, motorized, and mobile works. They analyze the extended cast of Calderand#8217;s animated Circus, made in Paris between 1926 and 1931, and include previously unpublished photographs by Brassaand#239; and Kertesz of Calder and this beloved performative sculpture. The essays critically explore the intellectual, cultural, and artisticand#160;milieu of Paris in the late 1920s andand#160;early 1930s and the contexts of Calderand#8217;s friendships with Mirand#243;, Mondrian, Duchamp, and Man Ray, among others. What emerges in this fascinating book is a nuanced and detailed understanding of how Calderand#8217;s distinctiveand#160;career first took flight.
and#160;
Review
"Smartly designed."—Steven Heller, New York Times Book Review --Kenneth J. Arrow
Review
"A chunky, charming catalog."—New York Times --Steven Heller - New York Times Book Review
Review
"[This book] explores Calder's transformation into the artist we know today. The numerous essays reveal the many facets of his work, including commentary on 'Calder's Circus' and other wire sculpture 'portraits.'"and#8212;Claire Patterson, American Style
Review
"A comprehensive overview of Calder's formative years. Handsomely produced, lavishly illustrated and full of updated scholarship, this will surely serve as one of the definitive texts on the artist for some time to come."and#8212;Art Times
Review
"Provides excellent reproductions [and] fine essays. . . . Highly recommended."and#8212;Choice
Review
"Smartly designed."and#8212;Steven Heller, New York Times Book Review
Review
"A chunky, charming catalog."and#8212;New York Times
About the Author
Joan Simon is curator at large for the Whitney Museum of American Art. She is the author of William Wegman: Funney/Strangeand#160;(Yale), among many other publications on contemporary artists. Brigitte Land#233;al is curator of historic collections at the Musand#233;e national dand#8217;art moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, and the author of many books on modern art.