Title: Flying Colors - Skywirl
Artist: Alexander Calder
Date: 1974
Medium: Lithograph on Arches Paper
Dimensions: Sight: 26 x 20 in; Frame: 33 x 27 in
Condition Report: In good condition
Signature: Signed and dated lower right

Description:
A vibrant and dynamic composition, Flying Colors - Skywirl exemplifies Alexander Calder’s mastery of bold color and rhythmic form. At its center, a striking black spiral with a white contour anchors the piece, creating a sense of movement and depth. The background is divided into three distinct color fields—yellow in the upper left, red dominating the middle, and blue in the lower section—forming a diagonal compositional flow. Calder’s signature use of primary colors and organic geometric shapes lends the work a lively, almost kinetic energy, reminiscent of his renowned mobiles.

About the Artist:
Alexander Calder (1898–1976) was a revolutionary American artist best known for his invention of the mobile, a form of kinetic sculpture that introduced movement into abstract art. Initially trained as an engineer, Calder later studied at the Art Students League in New York before making his mark in Paris in the 1920s. There, he developed his signature wire sculptures and began experimenting with abstraction after being influenced by artists such as Joan Miró and Piet Mondrian.

By the 1930s, Calder’s exploration of balance and motion led to the creation of mobiles and stabiles—sculptural forms that would define his legacy. His work extended into painting, printmaking, and monumental public installations, always characterized by a bold, playful use of color and form. Throughout his career, Calder exhibited internationally, receiving widespread acclaim, including the Grand Prize for Sculpture at the 1952 Venice Biennale. His works remain celebrated worldwide for their innovation, energy, and joyful spirit.