Calder's Circus
Mar 25, 2024
Welcome to Alexander Calder's Circus.
This beloved work features an elaborate troupe of over 70 ingeniously articulated animals, clowns, and acrobats, plus nearly 100 accessories such as nets, flags, carpets, and lamps. Beginning in 1927, the artist would choreograph his circus for audiences in Paris, New York, and elsewhere. His audience would sit on a low bed or crates, munching peanuts and using noisemakers while Calder choreographed, directed, and performed Calder's Circus, narrating the actions in English or French. Experience the magic of Calder's Circus in our seventh floor collection galleries, and head to the link in our profile for more video content about the artwork and Calder's performances.
Excerpt from Le Cirque de Calder, 1961. Directed by Carlos Vilardebó. Société Nouvelle, Pathé Cinema, Paris. ©️ Calder Foundation (@calderfoundation), New York / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
