Circus
Artist
Alexander Calder
(American, 1898-1976)
CultureAmerican
Date1975
MediumJute | Dye
Dimensions94 1/2 x 72 1/2 in. (240 x 184.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Rajendra P. Sood
Object number77.1258.5
Not on view
DescriptionThis is a woven mat/tapestry made from jute and dye.Label TextDesigned by Alexander Calder American (1898-1976) Tapestries, 1975 Dyed jute, 57/100 Gift of Dr. Rajendra P. Snood Alexander Calder was one of the most brilliantly inventive artists of the 20th century. Though he is best remembered for his sculpture, and particularly for his mobiles, he produced a variety of other works during his extraordinarily prolific career. These included paintings, lithographs, jewelry, toys, and designs for limited edition textiles like the fanciful jute tapestries displayed here. Long impressed by the work of Central America's artisans, in 1975 Calder designed a set of ten tapestries which were executed by Nicaraguan weavers. Using special European dyes to match the artist's signature palette of bold, primary hues, the artisans employed teams of weavers and hundreds of needles to complete the project. The tapestries feature the flowing, natural motifs and whimsical circus imagery-spiraling nautilus shells, undulating snakes, a trapeze performer-that are the hallmarks of Calder's best graphic work. Designed to be used both as wall hangings and floor mats, the tapestries pleased Calder so much that he acquired several for his own home and studio. Exhibition History"Calder's Ten Tapestries," Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, VA, June 9 - July 9, 1978. "Calder's Tapestries," Chrysler Museum of Art, Community Gallery, June - Aug. 2000. "Calder Tapestries," Waitzer Community Gallery, Chrysler Museum of Art, Oct. 2003 - March 2004. Published ReferencesThomas W. Styron, "Calder's TEN TAPESTRIES Exhibit Due in June," Chrysler Museum BULLETIN (Summer 1978), n.p.
