The Viking 1969

Here, Alexander Calder lays down bold strokes of gouache, bringing to life a dance of primary hues. I’m seeing a big, colourful question mark emerging on the blue paper. You know, sometimes painting feels like this - a playful back-and-forth of intention, an embrace of the unplanned. I imagine Calder, brush in hand, coaxing this spiral into existence. He’s probably thinking about movement, about his mobiles, and how to capture that sense of lightness on a flat surface. The black outline is so key here, right? It’s giving definition to the swirl, lending a graphic edge that feels both modern and timeless. There's a real generosity in his work. It’s like he’s inviting us to join in the fun. I wonder how we might translate that swirling rhythm into our own work. Maybe, like Calder, we can loosen our grip and embrace whatever unfolds!