Crinkly Worm 1971

Alexander Calder made this “Crinkly Worm” from painted sheet metal and wire. Calder’s so good at balancing colour with shape, isn't he? He just goes for it. What I like about this sculpture is the way that Calder uses the flatness of the metal to suggest movement. It’s like he’s drawing in space, bending, and twisting simple shapes to create a playful little creature. The red base is chunky and angular, anchoring the piece, while the blue parts, with those black stripes, jut out like they’re about to take off. Check out how the red feels different from the blue. The red is solid, grounded, while the blue feels light, like it’s floating. That one blue section with the cutout shapes is so cool, it’s like a little window into another dimension! Calder reminds me a bit of Joan Miro, with the way he uses simple shapes and bright colours to create a sense of fun and wonder. There’s no right or wrong way to see it, just enjoy the ride.