Yellow Flower, Red Flower 1972

Here we have Alexander Calder’s ‘Yellow Flower, Red Flower’ made with gouache, probably on paper. I just love how he lets the flatness of the paint do its thing, unapologetically bold and simple. The red of the flower feels so immediate, like a signal, and the blue nestled within it is a nice surprise. You can almost see the quick strokes he made, filling in the shapes with juicy color. And look at the black outlines – they're so confident, defining the forms with a playful energy. There's a freedom in the way Calder applies the paint, embracing the imperfections and slight variations in tone. It reminds me a bit of Miró, but with a distinct Calder twist. It’s a reminder that art can be both thoughtful and spontaneous, and that sometimes the simplest gestures can be the most powerful.