“Red Lily Pads (Nénuphars rouges)” is an artwork created by Alexander Calder in 1956. This piece, which belongs to the Kinetic Art movement, is a sculpture classified as a mobile, composed of wire and painted metal. This prominent work of art is housed in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum located in New York City, New York, United States.
The artwork is characterized by its dynamic structure, consisting of varying sizes of red circular elements that resemble lily pads. These elements are suspended in the air, intricately connected by thin wires, lending an appearance of delicate balance and continuous movement. The contrast between the vibrant red and the surrounding space emphasizes the organic fluidity and the innovative design that is emblematic of Calder’s distinct style in kinetic sculptures. The visual effect of these floating forms creates an engaging interplay of light and shadow within the museum’s architectural space, thereby inviting viewers to experience the art from multiple perspectives.
