Wire Sculpture
In 1925, when working as an illustrator for the tabloid National Police Gazette, Calder spent two weeks sketching the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. The passion he developed for the circus found its expression in major paintings, drawings, and wire sculptures, a new medium invented by the artist. Between 1926 and 1930 Calder also created a miniature circus -- dozens of characters made of wire, wood, cork, fabric, and other miscellaneous materials -- which he animated in performances held at his studio. Known as the Cirque Calder, this early work of kinetic art became very popular in avant-garde circles in Paris and New York, and helped to establish the artist's reputation.