“Josephine Baker I,” created by Alexander Calder in 1926, is a sculpture that is part of the Josephine Baker series. This artwork falls within the Expressionism movement. Alexander Calder, primarily known for his mobiles and kinetic sculptures, has in this work depicted the iconic entertainer Josephine Baker, who was one of the most celebrated performers of her time.
The sculpture is made entirely of wire, which Calder has bent and shaped to form the abstracted figure of Josephine Baker. The use of wire allows for an interplay of form and space, creating a sense of dynamism and fluidity that reflects the spirited performances of Baker. The figure seems to be in a dancing pose, with one arm raised and a leg extended, capturing the essence of movement and vivacity that Baker was known for. The face is stylized with loops for eyes and a line for the mouth, and the torso is composed of spirals, emphasizing the figurative aspect of the piece while also imparting a certain rhythmic quality. The artwork embodies the expressiveness and innovation of Calder’s early sculptural work.
