Yes, It’s Art

The first time UVA displayed an Alexander Calder “stabile,” in the 1950s, the work was met with questions and dark Cold War insinuations. Now, the university is exhibiting another Calder installation on its historic grounds, and the reception is entirely different.

2/3/10 4:56 PM

Richmond Times-Dispatch, Jan. 4, 1950, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Library, exhibition files

Steel Fish Calder UVA

The caption: 'IT'S MOVING, BUT IS IT ART?'—So asks University of Virginia English Professor Atcheson L. Hench (left), who scratches his head as he studies Alexander Calder's mobile "Steel Fish," one of the pieces of modern sculpture assembled by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for exhibition at the University. Also observing the "fish" that sways in the wind are John Canaday (center), of the art faculty, and Lewis M. Hammond, of the philosophy faculty. The exhibition will continue through January 15.

The first time UVA displayed an Alexander Calder “stabile,” in the 1950s, the work was met with questions and dark Cold War insinuations. Now, the university is exhibiting another Calder installation on its historic grounds, and the reception is entirely different.

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