American artist Alexander Calder, seen here in his studio in 1955, was one of the most prolific sculptors of the 20th century.
Alexander Calder —
American artist Alexander Calder, seen here in his studio in 1955, was one of the most prolific sculptors of the 20th century.
Evans/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
While he's best known for his wire sculptures and mobiles -- hanging kinetic sculptures made of wire and painted metal -- he also created paintings, abstract bronze sculptures and jewelry among other things.
Alexander Calder —
While he's best known for his wire sculptures and mobiles -- hanging kinetic sculptures made of wire and painted metal -- he also created paintings, abstract bronze sculptures and jewelry among other things.
Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Calder is currently the subject of two exhibitions in London. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tate.org.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ftate-modern%2Fexhibition%2Falexander-calder-performing-sculpture" target="_blank" target="_blank"><em>Alexander Calder: Performing Sculpture</em></a> at the Tate Modern, a thorough retrospective, was met with critical acclaim when it opened in November 2015.
Antennae with Red and Blue Dots by Alexander Calder (1953) —
Calder is currently the subject of two exhibitions in London. Alexander Calder: Performing Sculpture at the Tate Modern, a thorough retrospective, was met with critical acclaim when it opened in November 2015.
Calder, Alexander/Tate, / Tate Images
The exhibition is themed around how the idea of movement and performance related to Calder's work over the course of his career.
Triple Gong by Alexander Calder (c. 1948) —
The exhibition is themed around how the idea of movement and performance related to Calder's work over the course of his career.
Calder Foundation, New York / Ar/CLD
At Pace London, <em>The Calder Prize: 2005-2015</em>, brings together the works of artists who won the biannual prize, awarded by the Calder Foundation, along with pieces by Calder himself.
The Calder Effect —
At Pace London, The Calder Prize: 2005-2015, brings together the works of artists who won the biannual prize, awarded by the Calder Foundation, along with pieces by Calder himself.
Alexander Calder/ Photography by Damian Griffiths
The $50,000 prize rewards artist's whose work is in some way reminiscent of Calder's. Last year's recipient, British artist Haroon Mirza, was celebrated at the launch last week.
The Calling by Haroon Mirza (2013) —
The $50,000 prize rewards artist's whose work is in some way reminiscent of Calder's. Last year's recipient, British artist Haroon Mirza, was celebrated at the launch last week.
Haroon Mirza/Photography by Damian Griffiths
"His focus on the potential of materials and how their physical properties allowed him to work with varying scales and exploit the kinetic potential of modular forms is a testament to his playful approach to working, which relies on experimentation and dialogue. This approach is one I have attempted to emulate in my own practice," said inaugural prize winner. <br /><br />(She created the sculpture seen here out of Slinkys.)
Untitled by Tara Donovan (2015) —
"His focus on the potential of materials and how their physical properties allowed him to work with varying scales and exploit the kinetic potential of modular forms is a testament to his playful approach to working, which relies on experimentation and dialogue. This approach is one I have attempted to emulate in my own practice," said inaugural prize winner.

(She created the sculpture seen here out of Slinkys.)
Tara Donovan/ Photography by Damian Griffiths
Similarly, Darren Bader said of Calder's influence: "Being an integral part of so-called Modern art, he's had incalculable influence on how I think. Like so many of the Modernists we continue to revere, he asked good questions."
IOHEfU by Darren Bader —
Similarly, Darren Bader said of Calder's influence: "Being an integral part of so-called Modern art, he's had incalculable influence on how I think. Like so many of the Modernists we continue to revere, he asked good questions."
Damian Griffiths
"We share the same passion about the universe, in its cosmic plenum, said Tomás Saraceno, a trained architect who makes complex installations out of rope. "Inasmuch as he found his balance and movement in fixed mobiles, I have been experimenting with movement by creating flying sculptures that can revolve around the planet."
Cumulus Filaments by Tomás Saraceno (2016) —
"We share the same passion about the universe, in its cosmic plenum, said Tomás Saraceno, a trained architect who makes complex installations out of rope. "Inasmuch as he found his balance and movement in fixed mobiles, I have been experimenting with movement by creating flying sculptures that can revolve around the planet."
Tomás Saraceno/Photography by Damian Griffiths
"Throughout his long and very productive career, Calder managed to capture the character of his times, to the point that it is hard to imagine this era without his work," said 2007 winner Zilvinas Kempinas. <br /><br />"However his iconic sculptures still look surprisingly fresh and robust today, doing their thing, moving with authentic grace all the way into 21st Century."
Flux by Zilvinas Kempinas (2009) —
"Throughout his long and very productive career, Calder managed to capture the character of his times, to the point that it is hard to imagine this era without his work," said 2007 winner Zilvinas Kempinas.

"However his iconic sculptures still look surprisingly fresh and robust today, doing their thing, moving with authentic grace all the way into 21st Century."
Damian Griffiths
<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacegallery.com%2Flondon%2Fexhibitions%2F12783%2Fthe-calder-prize-2005-2015" target="_blank" target="_blank"><em>The Calder Prize 2005-2015</em></a> is on at Pace London, Burlington Gardens until March 5, 2016; and <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tate.org.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ftate-modern%2Fexhibition%2Falexander-calder-performing-sculpture" target="_blank" target="_blank"><em>Alexander Calder: Performing Sculpture</em></a> is on at the Tate Modern until April 3, 2016<br />
Silent Account by Rachel Harrison (2004) —
The Calder Prize 2005-2015 is on at Pace London, Burlington Gardens until March 5, 2016; and Alexander Calder: Performing Sculpture is on at the Tate Modern until April 3, 2016
Rachel Harrison/ Photography by Damian Griffiths