“HORIZONTAL” is a sculpture by Alexander Calder, created in 1974. This work is part of the Kinetic Art movement, which encompasses artworks that have moving parts or are intended to imply motion. As a genre, Calder’s piece falls under sculpture and mobile, playing with the concept of art in motion. This piece displays characteristics of Calder’s distinctive approach to form, color, and movement.
The artwork presented is a large scale, outdoor mobile that is characteristic of Calder’s work. It consists of a stable base with an abstract, triangular shape. Extending from this base is a horizontal beam that balances several elements. At the end of this beam, there are organic-shaped elements hanging from arms of varying lengths. These elements are brightly colored in primary hues—specifically blue, yellow, and red—which starkly contrast with the black structure they are attached to. The positioning of the mobile suggests it is carefully balanced, with each element poised to move with the wind, thereby engaging the surrounding space dynamically. Overall, the contrast of the static triangular base with the poised potential movement of the colored elements reflects Calder’s fascination with balance and continuity in his mobiles.
