The artwork “BLACK BEAST” was created by Alexander Calder in 1940, reflecting elements of Expressionism and Surrealism. It belongs to the genres of sculpture and stabile, which is a type of stationary abstract sculpture. Calder’s work here is an exemplar of his innovative approach to form and space.
As for the piece itself, “BLACK BEAST” is an abstract sculpture characterized by its bold, angular forms and its matte black finish. The sculpture consists of interconnected metal plates and rods, asymmetrically arranged to create a dynamic structure. The silhouette and the sweeping shapes suggest movement and energy, despite the sculpture’s static nature. The stabile’s curving elements and sharp points evoke a sense of organic growth, and its sprawling form might remind viewers of a creature stretching or reaching out, hence its title. This artwork interacts with the space around it, casting interesting shadows that become part of the piece’s visual experience. Calder’s work plays with the viewer’s perception, encouraging an imaginative and emotional engagement with the form.
