“Tines” is a sculpture created by artist Alexander Calder in 1943, which exemplifies the kinetic art movement. As a mobile, it belongs to a genre of artwork that incorporates movement as a fundamental aspect, typically suspended components that drift and rotate with air currents, creating an ever-changing composition.
The artwork shown in the image features various abstract shapes crafted from metal and wire, which are meticulously balanced and arranged on arms that extend from central axes. These arms are connected via thin rods and wire, which allow the elements to move freely. The sculpture’s shapes are designed with a variety of colors and forms that play against one another as they move in space, composing a lively and dynamic visual experience. Several of the elements have organic, curved contours, and the use of color is bold and selective, drawing attention to certain components of the mobile. The careful balance and the simplicity of form are hallmarks of Calder’s style, encouraging an interplay of shadows and an interaction with the surrounding environment. This particular work is a fine example of Calder’s pioneering contributions to kinetic art, demonstrating his fascination with motion and balance in three-dimensional space.
