“Le Guichet” is a sculpture by Alexander Calder created in 1963. Calder, known for his kinetic sculptures and abstract mobiles, was also a part of the Abstract Expressionism movement, although the sculpture’s static nature diverges from his typically mobile pieces. This sculpture is part of the genre known as public art, as it is designed to be exhibited in public spaces.
In the artwork, the sculpture appears as a large, standing abstract form with a predominantly tripod-like structure that has curvilinear legs and negative spaces. Constructed from sheet metal, the sculpture is painted in a uniform, matte black color that gives it a bold silhouette against its surroundings. The design elements of “Le Guichet” exhibit the typical abstract and organic shapes associated with Calder’s work.
There’s a figure standing behind the sculpture, which provides a sense of scale, showing that “Le Guichet” is quite monumental in size. The photograph is in black and white, emphasizing the contrast and the form of the sculpture. The surrounding environment gives it a sense of place, indicating that it’s likely installed in an area accessible to the public, such as a plaza or an open space near a building, inviting interaction and contemplation from viewers.
