The Flamingo (1974) - by Alexander Calder

The Flamingo - by Alexander Calder

Installed: 1974

53' high X 29' wide X 60' length

Location: Chicago Federal Plaza

Commissioned by the US GSA Art in Architecture program

This sculpture titled "Flamingo" is made by Alexander Calder, one of the most eminent sculptors of the 20th century American art.  "The sculpture was received in a public ceremony never before nor since equaled in scale nor in fanfare".

It's brilliant color and graceful curves are a great contrast to the three black and blocky buildings surrounding it. The Chicago Federal Center comprises of three buildings -The Everett McKinley Dirksen Building, the John C. Kluczynski Building, and the Loop Post Office.  All the three Federal buildings are designed by Mies Van Der Rohe  

The small-scale replica can be seen in the Loop post office. It was installed the next year in 1975. The small replica is created specifically for the enjoyment of visually impaired. The model is meant to be touched ... it was reduced to one-tenth of the size of the original stabile. Both the original and the replica in painted in the same color, bright "Calder red". Alexander Calder has created many sculptures for open spaces throughout the world and is most famous for inventing mobile sculptures ... also known as "kinetic art" ... However, the Flamingo is an example of "stabile art". 

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