Environment and Evolution, 1973

Alexander Calder (1898–1976) was a pioneering American artist renowned for his revolutionary contributions to modern sculpture, particularly his invention of the mobile—a kinetic art form that introduced movement as a fundamental element of sculpture. With a background in mechanical engineering and an artistic lineage, Calder brought a unique fusion of precision and playfulness to his work. While best known for his large-scale mobiles and stabiles, his artistic practice also extended into painting, drawing, and printmaking. His use of bold color, geometric abstraction, and organic form placed him at the center of the 20th-century avant-garde, influencing generations of artists across disciplines.

One such example of Calder’s exploration beyond sculpture is his 1973 color lithograph titled Environment and Evolution. Measuring 26 5/8 x 38 1/2 inches (67.5 x 97.8 cm), this signed and numbered print—created in an edition of 125—reflects Calder’s signature visual language: vibrant primary colors, biomorphic shapes, and dynamic spatial composition. The title suggests a meditation on natural processes and the interconnectivity of life, themes often echoed in his mobile forms that mimic organic movement. Though static on paper, the composition pulses with the rhythm and energy for which Calder is celebrated, demonstrating his ability to translate motion and balance into two-dimensional media with remarkable clarity and vitality.