Lobster Trap and Fish Tail

It is one of Calder's earliest hanging mobiles and "the first to reveal the basic characteristics of the genre that launched his enormous international reputation and popularity."[1] The sculpture was commissioned by the Advisory Committee for the stairwell of the museum when the new building opened in 1939.According to a review in the New York Sun, "There, he became enthralled with the biomorphic surrealism of Joan Miró as well as the powerful choreography of modern dance pioneer Martha Graham."[4] After experimenting with motorized sculptures, Calder began creating works that moved and floated when touched or exposed to air currents.Calder composed motion with works like Lobster Trap and Fish Tail, "harnessing the performative potential of the mechanical sciences.
Alexander CalderThe Museum of Modern ArtNew York CitymobileAmericanMuseum of Modern ArtNew YorkUnited StatesRoxbury, Connecticutkinetic artNew York SunbiomorphicsurrealismJoan Miróchoreographymodern danceMartha GrahamMercury FountainFlamingoMountains and CloudsCirque CalderSnow FlurryFloating CloudsThe Whirling EarThe Four ElementsTeodelapioThe CrabSky HooksLa Grande Voile (The Big Sail)GwenfritzSpinal ColumnLa Grande VitesseBent PropellerFour ArchesCheval RougeFlying DragonIntermediate Model for the ArchSaurienCalder's set for SocrateHomage to JerusalemWire sculptureAlexander Stirling CalderAlexander Milne CalderCalder Gardens