“Spiral Composition” is an abstract artwork created by Alexander Calder in 1970. Calder, an artist known predominantly for his innovative mobiles and sculptural works, also extended his creativity into the realm of abstract painting. This work reflects the principles of abstract art, a movement that prioritizes the use of colors, shapes, and lines to create compositions independent of visual reality.
The painting features a vibrant and dynamic array of colors and shapes. Dominated by a large spiral form at the center, which is rendered in red and white with black dot accents, the image projects a sense of rotational movement. This central motif is surrounded by areas of bold yellow, with random black marks evocative of primitive art or symbols. Additionally, there are splashes of blue and red in the composition that contribute to its energetic feel. Pieces of colored areas appear almost translucent, with brushstrokes that add texture and visual interest to the painting. The use of pure colors and bold shapes gives the piece a lively, engaging character that is typical of Calder’s playful and kinetic aesthetic. The signature at the bottom right corner confirms Calder’s authorship of the work.
