“UPSTANDING T” is a sculpture created by artist Alexander Calder in 1944, known for his contributions to the Expressionism and Surrealism art movements. This artwork falls within the genre of sculpture and exhibits traits of Calder’s distinctive abstract style.
The sculpture presented appears to be a freestanding abstract form composed of dark metal. Its shape somewhat resembles the letter ‘T’, with a long vertical spine supporting a horizontally placed element, but with organic distortions and variations. The main vertical structure has a textured surface that gives it a tactile quality, suggesting the use of a malleable material or a purposeful crafting technique to create a sense of roughness.
There’s an irregular, bowl-like form hanging from the crossbar of the ‘T’, which hangs slightly off-center, lending an asymmetrical balance to the structure. Lower on the sculpture, attached to the vertical element, is another abstract, curved shape, reminiscent of a large leaf or petal, again enhancing the organic feel of the piece. The sculpture stands upon what seem to be four slender legs that emanate seamlessly from the lower curves of the form, which could represent a stylized rendering of a human or animal figure, or a completely abstract composition intended to provoke contemplation and interpretation. The entire sculpture has a fluidity and dynamism typical of Calder’s work, even while static, suggesting potential movement, a common theme in Calder’s artistic oeuvre, especially with his mobiles and other kinetic sculptures.
