09/08/2026
Known for his sharp, geometric lines and bold, contrasting color palette, Alexander Calder’s fascination with geometry stemmed his fascination with space and the universe. He was deeply inspired by the solar system, tracking how planets, moons and stars exist in changing relationships with one another, as well as through his engineering background, which inspired him to use kinetic elements, as well as using visible riveting.
His biggest transformative moment was when during his visit to Piet Mondrian’s studio in Paris, where looking at Mondrian’s rigid, perfectly balanced geometric wall, Calder’s engineering brain immediately wanted to break the rules and become a rebel, by applying kinetic movement to his work.
Credits: Gagosian, Calder Foundation, Getty Images