The UTC Art Department has teamed up with the library to display a unique Alexander Calder tapestry on loan from the collection of Nancy Bowen Wiggins. The piece, made of dyed and woven jute is entitled, “Zebra,” and was created in 1975, a year before Calder’s death.
Alexander Calder is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century–his prolific career includes scuplture, painting, prints, drawing, jewelry, toys, and textiles. He is best known for his delicate wire and sheet metal disc-shaped kinetic sculptures, dubbed by Marcel Duchamp, as “mobiles.”
With a long interest in the art and craft of Central America, Calder and his wife traveled to Nicaragua where traditional weavers worked in teams to execute Calder’s designs for 10 tapestries. This tapestry reflects the bold primary color, whimsical flowing forms and geometric shapes that are the hallmarks of Calder’s signature graphic style. For information on Alexander Calder, visit the Calder Foundation website.
Thank you to the Art Department and Nancy Bowen Wiggins for loaning and displaying this important work of art!