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

Description:
Alexander Calder’s Flying Colors - Beastie is a bold and whimsical composition that embodies his signature use of vibrant color and abstracted form. The piece features an imaginative, beast-like figure with a dog-like head and an exaggerated, almost kite-like body. Its seven legs contribute to a sense of movement, while its segmented body—composed of striking black, white, red, blue, and yellow rhombi—creates a dynamic contrast against the untouched white background. The playful yet structured design reflects Calder’s mastery of abstraction and his ability to animate forms with a sense of weightlessness and energy.

About the Artist:
Alexander Calder (1898–1976) was a pioneering American artist known for revolutionizing sculpture through his invention of the mobile—a kinetic form of art that introduced movement into three-dimensional compositions. Born in Lawnton, Pennsylvania, Calder initially trained as an engineer before transitioning to art, studying at the Art Students League in New York. Early in his career, he gained recognition for his wire sculptures and his fascination with the circus, which influenced his dynamic and playful aesthetic.

During the 1930s, Calder developed both mobiles and stabiles, his stationary sculptures, drawing inspiration from abstraction and the works of artists like Piet Mondrian and Joan Miró. His innovative approach to form and space earned him international acclaim, including the Grand Prize for Sculpture at the 1952 Venice Biennale. Throughout his career, Calder worked across multiple mediums, including painting, printmaking, and large-scale public commissions. His works, characterized by bold primary colors and organic movement, continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.