fig. 12
fig. 13
plane(decoding), the walls and tiles emphasize the dynamic figure(recoding) of the sculpture. Besides, the static sculpture in a fixed setting asks for an active and spatial movement of the observer to understand and appreciate the work, and it creates a vibrant but peaceful atmosphere which matches with ‘an atmosphere of a small Italian mountain
tain rhythm. The dynamic element in the sculpture (no decoding) makes it for the observer possible to sit down and observe the turning ‘whirling ear’ and its interplay with the dynamic environment formed by kinetic water of those spouts. The mobile sculpture interacts with its surroundings by its dynamic characteristic. ‘The various objects of the universe may be constant at
village(fig.13)’(Pluvinge. G.,2008,p150)
times, but their reciprocal relationships always vary.’
of the whole Italian pavilion. This atmosphere gives people a deep impression on the Italian culture which the pavilion tries to express. The abstract mobile modern sculpture ‘whirling ear’ before the USA pavilion The whirling ear(fig.14) in front of USA pavilion is a freestanding sculpture located in a large fountain with many spouts(fig.15). It is one of mobile works designed by an American sculptor Alexander Calder. As Calder describes: ‘A ‘mobile’ does not ‘suggest’ anything: it captures genuine living movements and shapes them. ‘Mobile’ have no meaning, make you think of nothing but themselves. They are, that is all; they are absolutes.’
‘ a matter of harmonizing these movements, thus arriving at a new possibility for beauty.’
Located at the entrance of the American pavilion, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors who would like to experience popular American culture due to the dynamics, and help the pavilion ‘represent ‘democratic vitality and romance’ of American capitalism, at the request of the State
The whirling ear is such a mobile sculpture which means that the sculpture itself can rotate in a cerCalder - Italian Pavilion
With its rhythmic dynamics and organic shape, all the movements no matter belong to itself or the surroundings are balanced, so the whirling ear forms a harmonious relationship with contemporary environment. As Calder once said: a mobile sculpture is
-Jiazuo Hou-
Department.’(Pluvinge. G.,2008,p150)
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