Here it is, Part II of my last post. This is about the museum next door to the Soumaya, the Jumex Museum. The building designed by british architect David Chipperfield is a space for the expression and appreciation of contemporary art. The museum hosts different exhibitions throughout the year, It is always a good idea to keep an eye on it.
A little off topic.... I got that "diamond ring" from the MoMa store in NYC. There is always a weird something you can find at museum stores!
Not knowing what I was going to see, I walked into the museum to find myself surrounded by paintings, mobiles, jewelry, and stabiles by Alexander Calder.
Alexander Calder (1898-1976) was an American artist, known for bringing together "unconventional" materials to create art. He also revolutionized sculpture with his mobiles and stabiles made with painted metal.
Sadly I could not take pictures inside the museum but in order to show you a little of what I am talking about I got some pictures off the Calder Foundation website.
The exhibition starts out with what Calder called "objects". This objects are wire works representing animals and portraits in a three dimensional way. Next you will find some oil paintings but most importantly the famous mobiles and stabiles waiting to be gazed at. In the beginning of his career Calder created mobiles; sculptures in which motion is involved. The basis of equilibrium together with air currents or human interaction gives the sculpture perceivable movement. Later in his career Calder created stabiles which are stationary works.
It is noted that Calder was stunned and influenced by Piet Mondrian´s abstract work. In my opinion Calder´s work has a lot of similarities to Joan Miro´s for example the use of primary colors and organic figures. They both had completely different techniques but their similarities make me think they might have shared a special and peculiar way to express themselves. I would love to see an exhibit with this two artists side by side. Wouldn't that be great?!
Calder also did some monumental sculptures like this one in L.A!
I highly recommend you this exhibition. If you happen to be in Mexico City or somewhere in the world with a Calder exhibit, go see it right now!!!
-Greta
Photos by Alexander Mitiaev