“Calder-isms,” a new book by No More Rulers, illuminates the insightful mind and playful character of Alexander Calder, the American artist celebrated for pioneering the 'mobile' sculpture. This collection brings together Calder's memorable quotes and thoughts from a variety of interviews and personal writings, showcasing the inventive spirit that characterized his influential body of work.
Dive into Alexander Calder's World with 'Calder-isms'
In a compelling new release, No More Rulers presents "Calder-isms," a curated volume celebrating the profound wit and enduring wisdom of Alexander Calder. Known globally for revolutionizing modern sculpture with his invention of the 'mobile'—a term coined by his friend Marcel Duchamp—Calder infused art with unprecedented elements of motion, equilibrium, and chromatic vibrancy. This insightful book, meticulously edited by Larry Warsh, compiles Calder’s most evocative statements and reflections gleaned from interviews, personal correspondence, and various other sources. Through these carefully selected words, readers gain an intimate understanding of the artist’s inventive and often whimsical disposition, which mirrored the dynamic nature of his sculptural creations. Calder’s philosophy, epitomized by his rhetorical question, “Why must art be static? The next step in sculpture is motion,” reveals his forward-thinking approach. His lighthearted view on nomenclature, quipping that “A title is just like the license plate on the back of a car,” further illustrates his unique perspective. Beyond his artistic tenets, the book also captures Calder’s broader outlook on life, highlighted by maxims such as, “Bad taste always boomerangs,” and his steadfast belief in the inherent beauty of mobiles, despite their lack of explicit meaning or practical function. Available now for $16.95 USD, "Calder-isms" offers art enthusiasts and curious readers alike a vivid portrait of an artist who not only shaped modern sculpture but also left an indelible mark on the art world with his sharp intellect and lively personality. The book can be acquired through No More Rulers’ official website and at selected retailers, providing a direct gateway into the captivating universe of Alexander Calder’s artistic vision and intellectual legacy.
This publication offers an engaging reflection on how an artist's personal philosophy can profoundly shape their creative output. Calder's musings on movement in art and his lighthearted approach to titles challenge conventional perceptions, suggesting that profound innovation often stems from a blend of serious inquiry and playful experimentation. His work reminds us that beauty and meaning can emerge from the unexpected, and that breaking free from static norms can open new dimensions of expression.