Coming Soon

Following Space:
Thaddeus Mosley & Alexander Calder

Nov 20 2024–Jun 1 2025
Seattle Art Museum

Be moved by the sculptural visions of American artists Thaddeus Mosley (b. 1926) and Alexander Calder (1898–1976). Mosley, a contemporary sculptor inspired by modernist aesthetics and traditional African wood carvings by the Dogon, Senufo, Bamum, and Mossi people, is recognized for his innovative concept of “weight in space,” in which sculptural forms appear to defy gravity. In Following Space, 17 of his large-scale wooden sculptures, made between 2001 and 2024, are in dialogue with five seminal artworks by Calder, who revolutionized modern sculpture by introducing actual movement and time to the medium. This is one of Mosley’s largest exhibitions to date and the first to pair his work with Calder’s. The two artists’ work are shown together in SAM’s double-height galleries, where visitors can experience their dynamic sculptures from every angle.

In spring 2023, SAM announced the generosity of patrons Jon and Kim Shirley in gifting the Shirley Family Calder Collection to the museum. The collection—one of the most important private holdings of Calder’s art—is the result of 35 years of thoughtful collecting. In Motion reflects the depth and breadth of this collection in a non-chronological narrative that covers Calder’s career throughout the decades featuring many significant examples from his production: mobiles, stabiles, a constellation, paintings, illustrations, and prints.

This inaugural exhibition also sets in motion a new era at SAM, introducing ongoing exhibitions and programs centered around Calder and his legacy taking place in downtown Seattle, the Olympic Sculpture Park, and through local and national partnerships. These efforts are supported by a generous endowment and annual financial commitments from Jon and Kim Shirley.

Following Space: Thaddeus Mosley & Alexander Calder, part of the Calder at SAM multiyear initiative, is generously supported by

Following Space, 2016, Thaddeus Mosley, American, b. 1926, cherry, 117 x 28 x 28 in., Courtesy the artist and Karma, © Thaddeus Mosley
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Bougainvillier, 1947, Alexander Calder, 1898-1976, sheet metal, wire, rod, lead, and paint, 78 x 82 x 54 in., Promised gift of Jon and Mary Shirley, New York, photo: Nicholas Shirley, Brightwood Photos.

Putting SAM on the Map

The promised gift of the Shirley Family Calder Collection transforms the museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art once again, building on gifts from the Virginia and Bagley Wright Collection and the Richard E. Lang and Jane Lang Davis Collection. This gift also makes SAM the Pacific Northwest hub for Calder exploration, joining other institutions around the world with significant Calder collections. Visit the Calder Foundation’s interactive map to explore key locations of Calder artworks across the globe.


Future Exhibitions

Exhibitions centered around Calder will debut every year celebrating the promised gift of the Shirley family Calder collection. For future exhibitions some will feature renowned contemporary artists who have been profoundly influenced by Calder and others will be an in-depth reexamination of specific historical periods in the artist’s career.

These efforts are supported by a generous endowment and annual financial commitments from Jon and Kim Shirley.


Events & Tours


Past Exhibitions

Calder: In Motion, The Shirley Family Collection

Nov 8 2023 – Oct 20 2024
Seattle Art Museum

American artist Alexander Calder (1898–1976) is celebrated for revolutionizing sculpture with his renowned mobiles and stabiles, which range from the miniature to the monumental. This exhibition traces Calder’s career, highlighting his most important themes, styles, and materials from the 1920s through the 1970s. Calder’s dynamic abstract mobiles mingle with an array of his stationary stabiles of various scales, including notable works such as Gamma (1947), Bougainvillier (1947), and Toile d’araignée (1965). In Motion spans several of SAM’s galleries, including its double-height gallery, a unique space in the museum designed for large-scale works that features several overlooks from the floor above. The exhibition demonstrates Calder’s unique vision, one that stands apart in the history of modern art and has left a profound legacy on American art and culture.

In spring 2023, SAM announced the generosity of patrons Jon and Kim Shirley in gifting the Shirley Family Calder Collection to the museum. The collection—one of the most important private holdings of Calder’s art—is the result of 35 years of thoughtful collecting. In Motion reflects the depth and breadth of this collection in a non-chronological narrative that covers Calder’s career throughout the decades featuring many significant examples from his production: mobiles, stabiles, a constellation, paintings, illustrations, and prints.

This inaugural exhibition also sets in motion a new era at SAM, introducing ongoing exhibitions and programs centered around Calder and his legacy taking place in downtown Seattle, the Olympic Sculpture Park, and through local and national partnerships. These efforts are supported by a generous endowment and annual financial commitments from Jon and Kim Shirley.

Following Space: Thaddeus Mosley & Alexander Calder is organized by the Seattle Art Museum. The exhibition is generously supported by

Promotional Partner

Visit Seattle
Past Press

A Famed Collection of Alexander Calder Sculptures Has Moved Into the Seattle Art Museum
Artnet

Visiting the Calder Exhibit at Seattle Art Museum with Kids
Seattle’s Child

Expansive Alexander Calder Exhibition Opens in Seattle
Smithsonian Magazine

A theatrical new Calder exhibition staged in Seattle
The Art Newspaper

Hokusai and Calder are Now on Display at Seattle Art Museum
KING5, New Day Northwest

ArtSEA: Going Mobile with Alexander Calder at Seattle Art Museum
Crosscut

Alexander Calder Exhibit Swings into Motion in Seattle Thanks to Ex-Microsoft President’s Major Gift
Geekwire

Energy in Motion: The Seattle Art Museum Explores the Creative Genius Behind Multidisciplinary Artist Alexander Calder
American Fine Art Magazine

Past SAM Stories & Resources

A Monumental Gift Goes On View: Inside Calder: In Motion at SAM

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Introduction to the SAM Exhibition

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Constellation with Red Knife

Calder In MotionSmartphone Tour: Yellow Stalk With Stone

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Animated Coat Hanger

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Group of Circus-Themed Prints

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Little Yellow Panel

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Group of Photos

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Bougainvillier

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Dispersed Objects with Brass Gong

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Case of Small Mobiles

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Red Curly Tail

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Fish

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Untitled (Métaboles)

Calder In Motion Smartphone Tour: Mountains (1:5 Intermediate Maquette)

Calder: In Motion Catalogue

Calder: In Motion Bibliography

SAM Soundtracks: Calder In Motion