Red Boomerangs and Blue Saucer 1973

Painted in 1973 by Alexander Calder, Red Boomerangs and Blue Saucer is made with gouache on paper. It shows a whimsical composition rendered in bright, solid colors. Calder is best known for his innovative mobiles, suspended sculptures that move in response to air currents. This painting, while static, shares the same playful sensibility as his kinetic works. The gouache is applied in bold, flat areas, with a slightly uneven texture that reveals the artist's hand. The forms themselves are simple and abstract: curving lines, circles, and biomorphic shapes. The red and yellow create a vibrant contrast, while the small blue circle anchors the composition. While seemingly simple, Calder's paintings reflect a deep understanding of form and color. His background in engineering also informed his artistic practice, evident in the careful balance and construction of his compositions. This work challenges traditional hierarchies by embracing the accessibility of gouache, elevating it beyond its association with commercial art and into the realm of fine art.