06/10/2025

Alexander Calder is now recognized as one of the pioneers of modern art. While his mobiles and monumental sculptures occupy an essential place in art history, another part of his work, more textile but just as powerful, is enjoying a remarkable comeback: his tapestries, created in collaboration with the Aubusson workshops.

A notable presence at the Norton Museum of Art

In 2022, the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach staged an installation that was as elegant as it was evocative: Calder’s famous BMW Art Car was displayed under a monumental Aubusson tapestry designed by the artist. This visual connection between the mechanical and textile worlds highlighted Calder’s aesthetic unity across mediums.

Although this presentation was not a major exhibition, it illustrates the growing interest of institutions in this facet of his work, which has long remained in the shadow of his mobiles.

The Bechtler Museum: a major showcase for Calder tapestries

In addition, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte, North Carolina, has one of the largest collections of modern tapestries, including several iconic pieces by Calder. This institution plays a key role in the conservation and promotion of modern textile art, providing a prestigious setting where these works can be fully appreciated.

Calder’s tapestries: international recognition

Even more significant is the strong presence of Alexander Calder’s tapestries at major international art fairs. Today, these textile works are exhibited and collected alongside the biggest names in contemporary art. The Hadjer Gallery, a pioneer in promoting textile art, regularly presents Calder’s tapestries at prestigious events such as Art Basel, TEFAF Maastricht, and BRAFA in Brussels.

Alongside world-renowned galleries, Galerie Hadjer works to rediscover the artistic and historical importance of these woven works. These tapestries, veritable abstract frescoes in wool, translate Calder’s graphic universe with a new intensity, between frozen movement and balance of form.

Galerie Hadjer, committed to promoting Calder’s textile work

For over 40 years, the Galerie Hadjer has been committed to rediscovering and promoting the great names in modern art who have worked with textiles. By participating in exhibition projects and supporting private collectors, the gallery actively contributes to the recognition of Calder’s tapestries as major works of art.

Displayed in prestigious museums and institutions, these pieces reveal another facet of Calder’s genius—a wall art that is playful, radical, and deeply contemporary.