Great Yellow Sun 1973

Alexander Calder made this painting called Great Yellow Sun with gouache in 1973, towards the end of his life. The colours are bold and pure, laid down flat. This work is joyous; the kind of joyful a kid would know when they grab their favourite crayons. Notice the black outlines, they are not smooth and perfect, but kind of wobbly and approximate. I love the way Calder used a brush here, almost like a marker, keeping it simple and direct. He's pushing for clarity. There's no attempt to trick you into thinking anything is real, but the feeling is utterly authentic. The red and blue triangles and that sun, radiating yellow bursts: it's all so cheerful and elemental. Calder's playfulness feels akin to Joan Miró. Both artists create a world that’s like a playground of shapes, where art feels like a game, an invitation to imagine. It's the kind of work that reminds you art isn't about answers, but about keeping the questions alive, playful, and open.