The artwork titled “Grid With Symbols” by Alexander Calder was created in 1966 and is an example of abstract art. This piece is associated with the Abstract Art movement, reflecting a genre that emphasizes shapes, colors, and lines without necessarily representing visual reality.
In this artwork, there is a structured grid that appears to visually anchor an assortment of geometric shapes and symbols. The grid is composed of horizontal and vertical lines creating a series of squares. At the top, there are a series of shapes that look like matchsticks, with red tops, aligned in a row. Throughout the grid, you can see a variety of symbols and elements including swirls, spirals, circles, triangles, and abstract squiggles. There are primary colors – red, blue, and yellow – that pop against the white background, along with black used for most of the symbols.
The symbols possess a playful quality and seem to mimic or suggest certain objects or ideas, evoking a sense of curiosity about their meaning or intent. Calder’s use of bold colors and clear geometric shapes injects the piece with dynamism and a sense of whimsical order. The signature at the bottom right corner signifies Calder’s ownership and completion of the work in the year 1966.
