Gallery Dominique Lévy presents Alexander Calder. MULTUM IN PARVO, an exhibition featuring more 40 small-scale and miniature sculptures by American master-sculptor Alexander Calder. The pieces will be shown in a special architectural environment designed by international architect Santiago Calatrava.
“Multum in Parvo” is Latin for “much in little,” and refers to the exhibition’s focus on pieces less than 30 inches tall. Though these sculptures share the same properties of Calder’s better known, larger pieces (many were models or proposals for clients), the combination of the scale, size and detailing in the miniatures highlights the complexities of Calder’s work.
Red Toadstool, 1949 by Alexander Calder.
To present Calder’s miniatures in such a way that the delicacy and details are highlighted, Calatrava designed stacked, curving platforms reminiscent of the 20th century Biomorphism movement which models design elements on naturally occurring patterns. Each platform has mirrored discs mounted on thin poles of varying heights upon which the sculptures are placed. The reflective bases create the illusion of expanding the size of each piece while allowing the viewer to see all parts of the sculpture.
The exhibition is accompanied by an illustrated catalogue, which includes archival material, installation photography and original sketches by Calatrava. The exhibition is on view at Dominique Lévy (at 900 Madison Avenue) from April 22 to June 13.
