Red-Tongued Moon 1974

Alexander Calder made this painting with gouache and ink on paper. Calder is best known for his mobiles, which are sculptures that move in the air. But his paintings are also really interesting because they show how he thought about space and movement in a flat, two-dimensional way. Looking closely, you can see how the paper support informs the simplicity and directness of the image. The gouache gives the colors a matte finish, and the ink creates bold outlines and shapes. Calder was interested in how shapes interact with each other, and the texture and weight of the materials contribute to the overall effect. The image is created with what we might call industrial materials, but in a way that is playful and accessible, reflecting his broader interest in bringing art into everyday life. Calder's technique challenges the high-art tradition of painting. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can fully appreciate the richness and complexity of his art.