The artwork “SOUTHERN CROSS [MAQUETTE]” is a sculpture created by Alexander Calder in 1963, a notable figure in the Kinetic Art movement. Kinetic Art encompasses works that incorporate movement as a fundamental aspect of their design, and Calder’s mobiles are exemplary of this art form. This particular piece is both a sculpture and a mobile, showcasing Calder’s innovative approach to blending form and motion.
The artwork presented features a central, strikingly red, three-legged structure with slender, curving legs that ground the piece and serve as a stable base for the mobile elements. Extending from this base is a thin, vertical stand that branches off into two delicate rods from which various flat, black, abstract shapes are suspended. These shapes, reminiscent of leaves or organic forms, are balanced meticulously to allow for graceful, responsive movement at the slightest touch of air. The artwork demonstrates Calder’s mastery over the interplay between form and space, with the mobile elements poised for motion, suggesting a dynamic interaction with their environment. The contrast between the vibrant red base and the deep black elements emphasizes the compositional balance and elegant engineering of the piece.
