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
Ch 3 · Standing tall with stabiles
choko Calder's vibrant red paint makes this giant standing sculpture pop against grey skyscrapers.
choko See how Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's rigid steel towers were designed to frame Alexander Calder's curving, scarlet Flamingo sculpture.
Quiz
What is the literal meaning of the word "stabile," coined by artist Jean Arp for Calder's work?
Quiz
Which famous architect designed the dark, minimalist Chicago skyscrapers that surround Calder's "Flamingo" sculpture?
BETA
choko Explore Alexander Calder's stabiles with the Swaying Sculptures game. Learn how to make art move in this interactive educational activity.
choko See how Alexander Calder transitioned his kinetic art and mobiles into monumental public sculptures designed to move in open spaces.
Quiz
In what decade did Alexander Calder focus heavily on creating monumental public sculptures for cities around the world?
Quiz
To ensure his massive outdoor sculptures would not fall over, what test did Alexander Calder's engineers perform?
choko Alexander Calder's Stabiles
Standing tall, standing tall, / Bright red giants standing tall, / Standing tall!
choko Learn about Chicago's giant red arch by Alexander Calder. This infographic explores the history and design of the iconic public sculpture.
Quiz
How did Alexander Calder connect the giant plates of metal together for his monumental outdoor stabiles?
Quiz
What specific color did Alexander Calder use on many of his stabiles to contrast with dark city skyscrapers?
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.
Quiz
Which city features Alexander Calder's massive 67-foot-tall stainless steel stabile titled "Man" built for Expo 67?
Quiz
What is the name of Alexander Calder's famous 53-foot-tall red steel sculpture located in Chicago's Federal Plaza?
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.