This artwork, titled “SPACE TUNNEL,” was created by Alexander Calder in 1932. Hailing from the Surrealism movement, the genre of this piece is figurative art. The piece clearly reflects the characteristics of its time, presenting abstract elements that suggest movement and fluidity typical of Calder’s work, aiming to evoke subconscious thoughts and feelings.
The artwork displays a collection of abstract shapes and lines on a pale background. There are two prominent organic forms that dominate the composition: one is a curvilinear shape that winds around itself, shaded with a gradient from black to white, and the other is a broad, curving, red form. Accompanying these are two circles – one solid black and the other with a crosshatched interior, implying texture or shading – and a small black orb that seems to float independently from the other elements. The sense of depth and space in this abstract composition could be said to play with the viewer’s perception, creating an otherworldly tunnel-like illusion in space. The flatness of the background contrasts with the dimensional quality of the shapes, a characteristic playfulness that Calder is known for.
