High Wire: Calder's Circus at Whitney Museum

     High Wire, Calder’s Circus at 100 celebrates the artists early fascination with movement

created from 1926 to 1931. Born into a family of artists, Alexander Calder is one of

America’s most beloved and readily recognized artists whose fascination with movement

began at an early age. This fascination as well as his love for the traveling circus led him to

create his famous ensemble of circus performer sculptures, a precursor to his mobiles and

Stabiles.

     Calder’s Circus owned by the Whitney Museum and exhibited for the first time in many

years showcases his cleverness, humor and creative talents. With over 100 pieces fashioned

from make-shift materials, ephemera and found objects, his circus sculptures capture the

wonder of performance art.

     From the 1920’s through the 1940’s the traveling circus was the most popular form of

entertainment in the United States and Europe. Calder was inspired to create his own

circus performers after being assigned to cover Ringling Bros. & Barum Bailey’s circus in

NY. The excitement, the colors the bravery and talents of all the performers were

inspirational but most of all movement was paramount.

With over 100 sculptural pieces Calder performed for family, friends and fellow artists his

traveling circus throughout Europe and the United States. 

     Please join us for a tour of Calder’s Circus at 100 on Thursday March 5 at 11:00 for a tour

led by Gail Casale, Whitney Docent and CHV member. To register, please click on the green REGISTER button below.  

Purchase museum admission tickets in advance and meet in the museum lobby at 10:45. The group is limited to 15. 

Event host,

Gail Casale