Sculpture Nancy

The sculpture, named Nancy (1972), was originally showcased as part of a larger exhibition of Calder's artwork at Sala Pelaires, a gallery in Palma, during September/October of 1972. Calder had a lifelong friendship with Mallorca's Joan Miró, who played a crucial role in organizing Calder's exhibition at Pelaires. The two artists had met and become friends while living and working in Paris, France, in 1928.

Miró convinced Calder to donate the sculpture to the Ajuntament de Palma (Palma's city council) in 1973. However, the bureaucratic process dampened the enthusiasm for the gift. The authorities would have had to pay significant customs duties and excise taxes. Fortunately, influential individuals in Madrid recognized the artwork's value as a national heritage, leading to the exemption of the sculpture from import duties. Consequently, the townhall in Palma graciously accepted the generous donation.

Originally, the artist envisioned his mobile being displayed in Palma's new Parque del Mar, situated between the Cathedral and the sea, where the gentle sea breeze could animate Nancy. However, the sculpture has only been exhibited under the guardianship of the Palma officials in the s'Hort del Rei gardens. It was displayed there from 1974 to 1985 and again from 1994 until the present day.

Alexander Calder (1898-1976) was an American sculptor and artist known for his innovative works in the field of kinetic art, mobiles, and large-scale public sculptures. He was born in Lawnton, Pennsylvania, and came from a family of artists.

Calder initially studied mechanical engineering before pursuing a career as an artist. He began his artistic journey by creating wire sculptures and miniature circus figures, which he later incorporated into his renowned "Cirque Calder" performances. These performances involved Calder manipulating his wire figures in a whimsical circus-like setting.

In the early 1930s, Calder moved to Paris, where he became associated with the artistic avant-garde of the time, including artists like Piet Mondrian, Joan Miró, and Marcel Duchamp. It was during this period that he developed his signature kinetic sculptures, commonly known as mobiles. These sculptures consisted of abstract shapes and forms suspended from delicate wires, allowing them to move and interact with the surrounding air currents.

Calder's mobiles were celebrated for their graceful and balanced compositions, exploring the concepts of movement, balance, and the relationship between objects and space. He also created large-scale static sculptures called "stabiles," which were similar in style to his mobiles but remained stationary.

Throughout his career, Calder's works were widely exhibited and celebrated internationally. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of sculpture and modern art. Some of his notable public installations include the "Flamingo" in Chicago, "La Grande Vitesse" in Grand Rapids, and "Trois disques" in Montreal.

Alexander Calder's legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts worldwide. His innovative approach to sculpture and his ability to create dynamic and engaging artworks have left a significant impact on the art world.