Shapes with Butterfly c. 1967

Alexander Calder made 'Shapes with Butterfly' using simple paints, probably in a single sitting. Look at that yellow circle, like the sun! I imagine Calder stepping back, thinking, 'Hmm, needs some dynamism,' and then swoosh – those black calligraphic lines come alive. I love how the red shape is so assertive, grounded, while everything else seems to float and dance. Calder’s always playing with balance, isn’t he? His mobiles have that same quirky sensibility. I bet he was thinking about Miro, too, all those biomorphic shapes, but Calder makes them so graphic, so bold. The thin paint allows the white of the paper to breathe. The rough sketchy marks feel intuitive like he's making it up as he goes along. I am in love with that scribble. It gives the piece so much energy! Like a shared secret. It reminds me that painting is always a conversation.