Calder's voyage to India

The Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale at Christie's will present an outstanding group of works by Alexander Calder that represent a time capsule of his visit to India in 1955. Offered at auction for the first time, and largely unseen by the public since their creation, the works capture Calder’s unique relationship with the Sarabhai family, who hosted the artist for three weeks at their home in Ahmedabad. 

The sculptures testify not only to Calder’s ability at the height of his powers, but also to the extraordinary cultural dialogue fostered by the architect Gira Sarabhai and her family following the Indian Independence Act of 1947. The Sarabhais’ patronage and vision transformed Ahmedabad during the 1950s, and brought about an influx of leading Western architects, artists, designers and musicians. 

As one of the first artists to truly take advantage of commercial air travel, Calder’s journey to India breathed new life into his practice, giving rise to some of his most dynamic and evocative works. In their symphony of form, colour and motion, they encapsulate the full breadth of his groundbreaking contribution to sculpture.

Alexander and Louisa Calder in India, 1955. Photo: Calder Foundation, New York / Art Resource, New York

Image on top: Alexander Calder (1898–1976), Untitled. Executed in 1955. Estimate: $6,000,000–9,000,000. New York, Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale, May 10 © 2016 Calder Foundation, New York / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York