Warning 1974

Alexander Calder created this artwork titled 'Warning' in 1974, presenting us with a vibrant tableau of pipes, a pressure gauge, and a cautionary sign. Here, the motif of the pipe, typically associated with conduits of life or industry, takes on an abstract role, painted in bold colors, evoking both vitality and the potential for volatility. The image of the clock is a prominent symbol across time and cultures. Its face stares back at us, marking the passage of time, a subtle reminder of mortality. Ancient sundials in Egypt to the clocks we carry on our wrists, the clock has taken on different forms and nuances, however, the core message remains the same: the inexorable march of time. The ominous warning sign suggests an environment that can be dangerous. There’s something deeply unnerving in Calder’s creation. It brings to the surface a collective memory of industrial processes and the potential for chaos, reflecting how symbols evolve, adapt, and continue to resonate across generations.