Red, Yellow and Maze 1969

Alexander Calder made this gouache painting, titled 'Red, Yellow and Maze', in 1969. Calder's playful, abstract style is evident here; it's almost like he’s juggling shapes and colors. I'm drawn to the texture of the black lines, they're fluid but precise, and they create a dynamic sense of movement. It feels like the painting is breathing. The red triangle and yellow shape stand out boldly against the monochrome maze, creating a visual tension. The red feels grounded and still, in contrast to the energy of the yellow, which vibrates as if it might float away. Take a look at the bottom left, where the black lines curve into tight spirals. These feel like a microcosm of Calder's famous mobiles, suggesting the potential for movement and change within a static image. There is something of Miro in the the biomorphic forms, a conversation of the subconscious. Ultimately, 'Red, Yellow, and Maze' celebrates the joy of seeing, of making, and of embracing ambiguity.