Alexander Calder, widely celebrated for his innovative mobiles and stabiles, also extended his artistic prowess into the realm of textiles, producing works that are as captivating and dynamic as his more recognized sculptures. Beginning in the 1960s, Calder collaborated with prominent French weavers, notably Pinton Frères in Aubusson, to translate his whimsical designs into the medium of fine art tapestry. These textiles are known for their handwoven craftsmanship, a process so meticulous that creating a square meter of an Aubusson could take a skilled weaver an entire month. The value of these tapestries, beyond their intrinsic artistic merit, is also influenced by size, quality, and demand, with Calder's works particularly sought after in today's market (Value & Thought).
In 1949, Calder ventured into designing textiles for commercial production with Laverne Originals, creating "Calder #1" among other designs. These pieces, made from materials like rayon and fiberglass, showcase Calder's signature abstract style and vibrant use of color, making them unique additions to any space (The Metropolitan Museum of Art).
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art's exhibition "Alexander Calder: Collaborative Creations" shines a spotlight on some of Calder's less frequently seen textile works. This show, in particular, celebrated Calder's collaborative spirit by featuring vibrant hooked rugs made for his friends, the Stillmans, highlighting the personal and regional influences on his work, from early New England textiles to Latin and South American designs (Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art).
One notable example in the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection is the "Autumn Leaves" tapestry, made by Pinton Frères in 1971. This work is a stunning representation of Calder's ability to transfer the dynamic energy of his mobiles into the static form of a tapestry. The piece features abstract designs in primary colors and black, reminiscent of Calder's mobiles, with elements like balanced triangular 'fins' and spirals rendered in handwoven wool on a cotton warp (Victoria and Albert Museum).
These forays into textiles illustrate Calder's versatile talent and his eagerness to explore different mediums, further cementing his status as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Through tapestries, Calder brought the kinetic energy and abstract forms characteristic of his sculptures into a new dimension, allowing for a different, yet equally profound, aesthetic experience.