The artwork “Myrtle Burl” was created by Alexander Calder in 1941 and is an example of Kinetic Art. Kinetic Art is a movement that emphasizes motion and incorporates movement as a fundamental aspect of the artwork. Calder’s piece is a type of sculpture known as a “stabile,” which, unlike his mobiles, does not move. It is a stationary sculpture that suggests the potential for movement while remaining fixed.
Describing the artwork, “Myrtle Burl” is a sculpture consisting of a natural wooden burl base from which arise a series of elegantly curved metal elements. These elements are painted in bright, primary colors—blue, yellow, and green—complementing a black piece, highlighting Calder’s use of bold colors and organic forms. The metal components are arranged in an abstract, flowing composition, with each piece seemingly floating or reaching upwards, anchored by the organically textured burl. The design of this stabile creates a dynamic interplay of form, color, and implied motion, embodying the innovative spirit of Calder’s artistic experimentation within the realm of abstract sculpture.
