Maquette for Flamingo

Copied Alexander Calder, Maquette for Flamingo, 1972, riveted and painted aluminum, 15 5818 1810 in. (39.846.025.4 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, 1980.49.3

Artwork Details

Title
Maquette for Flamingo
Date
1972
Dimensions
15 5818 1810 in. (39.846.025.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Transfer from the General Services Administration
Mediums
Mediums Description
riveted and painted aluminum
Classifications
Keywords
  • Abstract
  • Study — sculpture model
  • Animal — bird — flamingo
Object Number
1980.49.3

Artwork Description

Flamingo was commissioned by the General Services Administration's Art-in-Architecture Program. The subject of this stabile, a flamingo, follows Alexander Calder's lifelong affection for whimsical and exotic creatures. Evoking both an actual bird and a silly yard ornament, Flamingo shows the humor and playfulness common in much of Calder's work. Chicago celebrated the dedication of Flamingo with "Alexander Calder Day in Chicago," a festival that included an old-fashioned parade of marching bands, clowns, unicyclists, and animals. Calder, who sat on top of the famous Schlitz bandwagon, received cheers from the thousands lining the sidewalks. However, not all of Chicago was happy that the government had "wasted" their tax money on "that piece of junk." Some thought it looked like a droopy tulip or a steel mosquito. Flamingo was installed at the plaza of the John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, Chicago, in 1974 and measures 53 by 24 by 60 feet.