Wonderful Woven Art from Alexander Calder: A Pinterest Discovery That Sparked Obsession
I was doing some art-browsing (you know, just scrolling through Pinterest) and I stumbled upon something so wonderful: Alexander Calder’s Bicentennial Tapestries! If you know anything about Calder, you know he’s all about those super playful mobiles that dance around. As an artist who was always playing with new ideas, it’s no surprise that he also made these amazing pieces of woven art. I’m seriously obsessed, and once you hear the story behind them, you will be too.
A Piece of History You Can Hang on Your Wall
A quick ‘pop’ of history for you — these tapestries are extra special because they were made to celebrate America’s 200th birthday back in 1976. Right after the Vietnam War ended, there was a feeling of hope and national pride, and Calder really captured that feeling in his art.
He took some of his awesome designs and worked with talented French weavers to turn them into art you can hang on your walls. It’s like a little piece of history and art all wrapped up in one, created to be a permanent, beautiful reminder of this milestone.
From Gouaches to Cozy Textile Masterpieces
So, how did a simple drawing become a giant, textured wall hanging? It’s a bit of a magical process! Calder’s original designs were actually paper collages he created called gouaches. To turn them into tapestries, he partnered with the famous weaving workshop Atelier Pinton Frères in France. These weavers are true artisans, and the level of skill they have is just incredible.
They took Calder’s flat, two-dimensional shapes and translated them into intricate wool tapestries, thread by thread. The collaboration was a true labor of love, with each piece taking months to complete. The result is a perfect blend of Calder’s playful style and the cozy, wonderful texture of a textile art piece.
Only about 40 sets were ever completed out of the planned 200, making Alexander Calder’s Bicentennial Tapestries incredibly rare and collectible today.
Why They Just Feel Right at Home
What I love about these is how they bring a little bit of fine art into your home in a way that feels totally effortless. They’re so bright and happy, with lots of simple shapes and bold colors. The textures from the wool give them a three-dimensional feel, so they don’t just sit flat on the wall — they come to life!
They just feel so warm and full of life, which is exactly the vibe I’m always trying to create in my home. A lot of modern art can feel a little cold or distant, but these tapestries feel personal and inviting. They remind you that art can be something you live with every day, not just something you see in a museum.
Art with a Story
So, if you’re looking for a piece of wall art with a little extra story, a rich history, and a touch of true artistry, these tapestries are just perfect. They’re a true celebration of creativity and history all woven together.
Curious to see more of Alexander Calder’s Bicentennial Tapestries and learn about their creation?
Check out this dedicated feature on Alexander Calder’s Bicentennial Tapestries, and dive into the full story behind these joyful and iconic works.
