The artwork “Yellow Tights” was created by Alexander Calder in 1945. It falls under the genres of abstract art and expressionism, and is characterized as figurative. The piece likely reflects Calder’s interest in bold colors and dynamic forms, which is indicative of his work throughout his career.
The artwork displays a vibrant and abstract figure against a multicolored background. The figure has a large round head patterned with spiraling lines that could possibly represent facial features or expressions. The ears are represented as simple circular outlines, adding to the stylized abstraction. The body is a bright yellow with swirl patterns on the torso, reminiscent of the circular motifs found on the head. An elongated neck with vertical stripes connects the head to the body, creating a sense of unity within the figure.
The background is segmented into blocks of blue, red, and purple hues, with a thin orange stripe creating a horizon line. The contrasting colors in the background complement the figure, making it stand out. The use of curvilinear patterns and bold coloration are typical of Calder’s style, evoking a sense of playfulness and movement, even within the two-dimensional medium. The overall effect is one of whimsy and energetic expression, distinctive of Calder’s artistic approach.
