The Seattle Art Museum's new exhibition, 'Monochrome: Calder and Tara Donovan,' opened May 13, pairing works by mid-20th-century American artist Alexander Calder with newly developed pieces by contemporary artist Tara Donovan. Curated by Catharina Manchanda, the show features Calder's iconic mobile 'Jacaranda' and his massive 'Mountains' stabiles alongside Donovan's site-specific works like 'Transplanted,' a slab of layered roofing tiles, and other pieces made from slinkys, mylar, and stir sticks. Donovan's process emphasizes letting materials dictate form, creating contrasts in mass and movement while engaging with the gallery space.
This exhibition matters because it bridges nearly eight decades of American art, demonstrating how contemporary artists can reinterpret and respond to modernist masters without direct imitation. By focusing on shared elements like monochrome, movement, and viewer experience, the show highlights the enduring relevance of Calder's innovations while showcasing Donovan's unique, process-driven approach. It offers visitors a dynamic dialogue between two distinct artistic visions, emphasizing how art can evolve across generations while maintaining a conversation about form, space, and perception.