“SINGE” is a sculpture by Alexander Calder, created in 1926 and part of the Expressionism movement. This artwork is indicative of Calder’s innovative approach to sculpture, bridging the gap between traditional forms and the avant-garde.
The sculpture appears to be made of wire and a piece of wood. The wire forms are artfully bent and twisted to outline the figure of a monkey hanging by its tail, which is suggested by a longer length of wire. The body is mainly made of a singular, curved wooden piece, representing the torso of the creature, while the head is also defined by a smaller block of wood set at an angle to suggest the creature’s gaze. The limbs and tail are rendered in smooth, swooping lines of wire that give the figure a sense of movement and liveliness. There are also wire details that create the hands and feet of the monkey, giving the impression of them reaching or grasping. The simplicity of the materials and the economy of line create a whimsical yet expressive representation that is characteristic of Calder’s early wire sculpture work.
