home>news & information>news release archive

SEARCH THE COLLECTION

EXHIBITIONS THE COLLECTION EDUCATION CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLANNING A VISIT GETTING INVOLVED PRIVATE EVENTS NEWS & INFORMATION MUSEUM SHOP

 

NEWS RELEASE ARCHIVES

Tapestries by Alexander Calder
Through March 2004
Waitzer Community Gallery

Designed by Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Executed by weavers from Masaya, Nicaragua Swirl, 1975 Gift of Dr. Rajendra P. Snood

Alexander Calder was one of the most brilliantly inventive artists of the 20th century. Though he is best remembered for his sculpture, particularly his mobiles, he produced a variety of other works during his extraordinarily prolific career. These include paintings, lithographs, jewelry, toys, and designs for limited-edition textiles like the fanciful jute tapestries that are the subject of this exhibition.

Long impressed by the work of Central American artisans, in 1975 Calder designed a set of 10 tapestries which were executed by Nicaraguan weavers. Employing special European dyes to match Calder’s signature palette of bold, primary hues, the artisans used teams of weavers and hundreds of needles to complete the project. The tapestries feature the flowing, natural motifs and whimsical circus imagery—spiraling nautilus shells, undulating snakes, a trapeze performer—that are the hallmarks of Calder’s best graphic work. Designed to be used both as wall hangings and floor mats, the tapestries pleased Calder so much that he acquired several for his own home and studio.

For More Information or Images Please Contact the Public Relations Department at (757) 333-6295 or bdyer@chrysler.org

Back to News Releases