3 ms·

Also worth noting that a Calder sculpture is on the cover of a common Algorithms book: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WDWECWVCL._SS500_.jpg http://ecx.

• pg 19y ago
  Most of the mobiles are literally recursive. I spent a couple days trying to reproduce them once, and one thing you learn when you do that is that each subelement is a complete mobile in itself. In fact I suspect he must often have incorporated "finished" mobiles into larger ones later.
  • uuilly 19y ago
    Yes! I remember learning infinite series in college and thinking about Calder. His work is similar to measuring the area under an infinite curve that approaches zero. Infinite line, finite area area. Calder has the recursive mobile(s) and a counter weight. Literally Counter Weight == recursive mobile(s). Something seemingly infinite equated with something finite. His big one in the East Wing of the National Gallery is outstanding. They blow the HVAC on it to make it move. IM Pei requested that it be the centerpiece of his great building. IM Pei, another possible hero. Fun essay.