Kid's view

Kids Review: Alexander Calder

Read a review of the Alexander Calder exhibition by Bella, age 11

Bella at the entrance to the exhibition

Me at the entrance to the exhibition – with Alexander Calder! © Tate

Alexander Calder: Performing Sculpture was an exhibition at Tate Modern in 2015–16. Let’s see what Bella thought of it…

Alexander Calder was an amazing artist who produced pieces of art using wire and other materials. He was born on August 22nd 1898 and died on November 11th 1976. He was an amazing sculptor who made a lot of things, which you can see in the Tate Modern, London.

It is cool because when you see his amazing work, you can make anything out of it from any angle you look at it from. So now I will share with you my experience at the gallery.

My heart was pounding, excitement pouring through me. Going to the Alexander Calder exhibition, of course I was feeling excited. As I walked in I wondered what delights were to treat me.

My amazing sister had got an audio guide and sometimes told me to listen.

The reviewer's sister listening to an audio guide

My sister, Eve, 8, listening to the exhibition audio guide © Tate

First I saw Hercules and Lion. At first glance, it appeared to look like a man holding a lady. I moved, and discovered that when you moved to a different angle it looked different and so did its shadow. I found it captivating. That is why it is cool.

Alexander Calder (1898 – 1976), Hercules and Lion, 1928

Alexander Calder Hercules and Lion, 1928, Calder Foundation, New York
© 2015 Calder, Foundation, New York / DACS, London

My anticipation mounted as I moved to the next piece, Medusa, and her shadow hit my gaze, I saw her shadow and when I looked closely I saw snakes on her shadow. Amazing.

Alexander Calder Medusa 1931

Alexander Calder Medusa 1931, Wire 310 x 430 x 240 mm, Calder Foundation, New York
© 2015 Calder Foundation, New York / DACS, London

Later I saw many pieces, which looked like our solar system. Then I started to think...

Being autistic, I find things different from other people. The art that is here is mainly things stuck together, so what if I stuck a ball on a stick? Would it become famous art? Does all art even have a purpose?

 Alexander Calder A Universe 1934


Alexander Calder A Universe 1934 Museum of Modern Art, New York © 2015 Calder Foundation, New York / DACS, London

The art is beautiful but mysterious, wonderful but strange. Is this good? In my books, it is cool and unique, so yes!

I have described some of the many pieces of art that the new exhibition holds, so go along and check it out for yourself!

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