Concentric Nebula 1967

Alexander Calder made this gouache on paper in 1967. It’s built from simple shapes and colors, but it gives off such a cosmic, expansive vibe, doesn't it? You can tell Calder wasn’t trying to be too precious or controlled. The brushstrokes are visible, the edges are soft and a bit drippy, and the colors feel like they were chosen for their directness. The red ground feels like a hot planet, and the concentric circles pull you in. I can imagine Calder making this, letting the brush lead him, finding a balance between intention and accident. That central vortex is cool - it's almost hypnotic. You can see the give and take between the black ink and the white of the paper. To me, it speaks of process, of decisions made and remade. Calder's like so many artists, constantly in conversation with other artists, experimenting and pushing the boundaries. It’s this back-and-forth, this ongoing exchange, that keeps painting alive and kicking.