Flying Colors 1976

Alexander Calder, best known for his invention of the mobile, made this print, Flying Colors, using gouache and ink. Calder’s works often present a playful approach to abstraction, yet they are deeply rooted in his engineering background. Here, we see blue stars floating amongst red wavy lines, invoking the imagery of the American flag. Calder made this artwork in a period marked by intense political and cultural shifts in the United States. His choice of such a recognizable symbol invites us to reflect on how national identity is constructed and perceived. The bright colors and dynamic composition create an uplifting and celebratory visual experience. However, the simplicity of the forms also carries a sense of childlike innocence. Calder once said, "My whole theory about art is the disparity that exists between form, masses, and movement." Consider how Calder balances form and movement within a charged, recognizable cultural symbol. Flying Colors invites a dialogue between national pride and the complexities inherent in the American experience.