The artwork “RED AND YELLOW VANE” was created by Alexander Calder in 1934 and is part of the Kinetic Art movement. This sculpture, which also qualifies as a mobile, reflects Calder’s innovative approach to art by including elements that move, bringing dynamism and an element of unpredictability to the piece.
The sculpture itself presents a balanced, yet asymmetrical composition, featuring a delicate arrangement of shapes and lines. It is anchored by a standing structure with slender rods that extend upwards and outwards to support the moving elements. On one side, there is a flat, circular yellow disc, which contrasts with a bisected sphere on the opposite end, half of which is painted red and the other half white. The central axis to which these shapes are attached, allows for rotation or swaying, highlighting the interplay of shapes, colors, and movements. The mobile’s design encourages interaction with the surrounding air currents, making the experience of viewing it one that is constantly changing and evolving. The construction is predominantly metal, which is a characteristic material used by Calder to achieve the stability and movement inherent to his mobiles. The use of bold primary colors and geometric forms is a hallmark of Calder’s work, emphasizing the simplicity and yet the striking visual impact of the piece.
