Chapter 1
The toy circus that started it all
Chapter 2
Inventing the mobile
Chapter 3
Standing tall with stabiles
Chapter 4
The physics of perfect balance
YOUR GOAL
Master of Making art move: Alexander Calder
Ch 3 · Standing tall with stabiles
choko Calder's vibrant red paint makes this giant standing sculpture pop against grey skyscrapers.
choko Alexander Calder's Stabiles
Standing tall, standing tall, / Bright red giants standing tall, / Standing tall!
choko See how Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's rigid steel towers were designed to frame Alexander Calder's curving, scarlet Flamingo sculpture.
choko See how Alexander Calder transitioned his kinetic art and mobiles into monumental public sculptures designed to move in open spaces.
BETA
choko Explore Alexander Calder's stabiles with the Swaying Sculptures game. Learn how to make art move in this interactive educational activity.
Fun Fact
Calder Red paint: Calder custom-mixed a vibrant, warm red-orange paint, now called "Calder Red," specifically to make his sculptures stand out against grey city buildings.
Glossary
stabile (noun)
A stationary abstract sculpture or construction, typically made of sheet metal. In 1931, sculptor Jean Arp coined this term to describe Alexander Calder's stationary steel sculptures.
A stationary abstract sculpture or construction, typically made of sheet metal. In 1931, sculptor Jean Arp coined this term to describe Alexander Calder's stationary steel sculptures.
Quiz
What is the name of Alexander Calder's famous 53-foot-tall red steel sculpture located in Chicago's Federal Plaza?
choko Learn about Chicago's giant red arch by Alexander Calder. This infographic explores the history and design of the iconic public sculpture.
Quiz
What specific color did Alexander Calder use on many of his stabiles to contrast with dark city skyscrapers?
Quiz
To ensure his massive outdoor sculptures would not fall over, what test did Alexander Calder's engineers perform?
Quiz
Which famous architect designed the dark, minimalist Chicago skyscrapers that surround Calder's "Flamingo" sculpture?
Quiz
Which city features Alexander Calder's massive 67-foot-tall stainless steel stabile titled "Man" built for Expo 67?
Quiz
How did Alexander Calder connect the giant plates of metal together for his monumental outdoor stabiles?