The artwork “Lobster Trap and Fish Tail” by Alexander Calder, crafted in 1939, is a sculpture made of wire and aluminium and is recognized as a fine example of Kinetic Art. It is a type of mobile, a term coined by Marcel Duchamp in reference to Calder’s work to denote sculptures that move. This piece is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
In the image provided, the mobile sculpture “Lobster Trap and Fish Tail” displays a delicate balance and elegance, characteristic of Calder’s kinetic creations. Visible are abstract shapes suggesting marine elements, such as parts of a lobster trap and the tail of a fish, suspended by wires. The artwork is composed with a minimalist and organic aesthetic, where the interplay of the elements and their shadows cast on the surface add a dynamic quality to the piece. The use of color is sparse, with a prominent red element adding contrast to the otherwise monochrome palette. The movement within the artwork, while not apparent in a still image, is integral to experiencing the full effect of Calder’s intent for the piece to engage with the space around it and to change subtly with air currents.
