FETISHES 1944

Alexander Calder made this painting, "Fetishes," and right away, I'm struck by its playful yet considered approach. The colors feel intuitive, like he's just letting things happen, but there's a definite structure holding it all together. It reminds me of my own process, where I start with a loose idea and let the painting guide me. Looking at the surface, you can almost feel the texture, right? The paint isn't overly thick, but there's a definite presence. It's not trying to hide its own making. I'm drawn to that squiggly red line dancing across the yellow. It's such a simple gesture, but it animates the whole piece, leading your eye around and creating a sense of movement. Calder reminds me of Miró, both masters of a visual language that feels both ancient and utterly modern. And like all great art, it's open to interpretation, inviting you to bring your own experiences to the table. What do you see? What do you feel? That’s the beauty of it.