The “Arc of Petals” is a sculpture and mobile created by Alexander Calder in 1941 and is a notable work within the Kinetic Art movement. The sculpture is housed at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, NY, US.
As for the artwork itself, “Arc of Petals” exhibits the typical characteristics of a Calder mobile, featuring organic shapes and elements arranged on a system of delicately balanced wires. The components are designed to move gently when touched by air currents, bringing the piece to life and creating a dynamic interaction with the viewer’s space. This particular piece consists of slender, curving metal arms extending from a central axis, from which hang abstract shapes resembling petals or leaves, with some finished in black and others in silver, presenting both harmony in design and contrast in color. The shapes are carefully arranged to balance both physically and visually, and the varying sizes give rhythm to the composition. Despite its apparent simplicity, the artwork encapsulates elegance and careful craftsmanship, embodying the ingenuity of Calder’s work in kinetic sculpture.
