“The Helices (Double Helix)” is a sculpture by Alexander Calder created in 1944. The artwork is associated with the Expressionism movement, even though Calder is more commonly linked with abstract and kinetic sculpture rather than Expressionism. The sculpture’s genre is a testament to Calder’s capacity to innovate with form and movement.
In this artwork, the sculpture presents an intriguing assembly of curved metal that suggests the form of a double helix, much like the structure of DNA, although it predates the scientific model’s widespread recognition. The structure appears to be made of twisted and bent metal stems that rise from a solid base, branching and looping into airy, spiraling forms which echo a sense of dynamic movement. The surface shows texture, perhaps from the technique used to manipulate the material, and the sculpture’s composition evinces Calder’s exploration of space, motion, and balance. While Calder is renowned for his colorful mobiles, this piece is monochromatic, emphasizing form and shadow over color.
