“Vertical Constellation with Bomb” is a sculpture created by Alexander Calder in 1943, belonging to the Kinetic Art movement. Kinetic Art involves artworks that have moving parts or that give the impression of movement. This particular artwork is a mobile, a type of sculpture that balances and moves with the air currents, showcasing the interplay of form and motion.
The sculpture presents an intriguing composition of geometric and organic shapes delicately balanced and poised in space. It features a series of abstract elements, some of which resemble natural forms like leaves or seeds, while others are purely geometric, such as cones and spheres. These shapes are connected by wire arms of varying lengths that extend from a central spine, allowing each component to rotate and sway independently. The use of negative space and the careful balance of each element are characteristic of Calder’s work. The colors used are limited, with natural hues of the materials complemented by touches of black, red, blue, and white, drawing the viewer’s attention and creating contrasts within the piece. This artwork is a quintessential example of Calder’s innovative approach to sculpture, inviting engagement not only visually but also through its movement and the complex equilibrium it maintains.
