Fêtes #4 1971

Alexander Calder, the American sculptor, printer, and designer, made this print, Fêtes #4, using the lithographic process. Calder is best known for his invention of the mobile, a type of kinetic sculpture made with delicately balanced or suspended components which move in response to motor power or air currents. This vibrant print embodies the playful, abstract aesthetic that defined much of Calder's work. But it also speaks to broader artistic trends of the mid-20th century. The use of bold colors and geometric shapes aligns with the avant-garde movements of the time, particularly Constructivism and Bauhaus. Calder's abstract visual language reflects a desire to move beyond traditional representation, embracing a more universal and accessible form of expression. For art historians, Calder's prints offer valuable insights into the artistic dialogues and cultural shifts of his era, and by studying exhibition catalogs, personal letters, and critical reviews, we can understand how his work challenged and reshaped the boundaries of artistic expression.