“SMALL FEATHERS” is a sculpture created by Alexander Calder in 1931, which is categorized as a mobile and is associated with the Kinetic Art movement. This sculpture is exemplary of Calder’s inventive approach to art-making, where he explored the aesthetic of motion and equilibrium.
In describing the artwork, “SMALL FEATHERS” consists of a delicate balance of geometric and organic shapes assembled into a hanging mobile structure. The piece comprises a central, stable element from which extend rods of varying lengths. At the ends of these rods are affixed various elements, some spherical, others perhaps more irregular, contrasting with the sharp lines of the rods and creating an interplay of shapes. The largest shapes dangle nearest to the central base, while smaller elements are situated on extendable rods, giving the overall ensemble a sense of harmony and spatial dynamism. The composition relies heavily on balance, both literally in its physical form and visually in the distribution of its parts.
The mobile’s arms and elements are designed to move gently with air currents, allowing for a constantly changing visual experience that captures Calder’s fascination with movement and form. Typically, Calder’s works feature a minimal use of color; in this piece, monochromatic spherical shapes stand out against the slender metal rods, highlighting the contrast between mass and linearity. Each component within the sculpture is carefully calibrated to create a fluid, dynamic interplay that responds to the natural movement of air, creating a living piece that offers an ever-shifting perspective to the viewer.
