Styles & Periods

• Artists
• Styles & Periods
• Associations
• Glossary
• Projects
• Purchase Guides

Kinetic Art

Starting with the work of the Futurists, the inclusion of motion became a central theme to art, in particular sculpture, of the 20th century. Kinetic art is really a generic term for art that addresses the presence, whether apparent or real, of moving parts. Naum Gabo and Marcel Duchamp were among the first to incorporate moving parts in their work in 1920. Just a few years later, László Moholy-Nagy, a Hungarian associated with Constructivism, made machines of light and motion from metal and plastic. The undisputed leader of early Kinetic art is Alexander Calder. His delicately calibrated mobiles included the element of chance, as the works are not motorized, but instead propelled by the motion of the viewer and the currents in the room. In the 1950s Kinetic art was recognized and popularized by critics. The landscape of Kinetic art is ever-evolving, as technological developments provide artists with new ways to incorporate movement into their work.

Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

From $0.98 Verithin Colored Pencils (Each) by Prismacolor The super-skinny precision prismacolor.	At Least 34% Off White Round/Oval Mop Brushes by Silver Brush Quality natural bristles	From $1.99 Pitt Graphite Matt Pencils by Faber-Castell Glare-free graphite pencils!
Up to 30% Off Unfinished Wood Easel by Fredrix Affordable display easel	Up to 40% Off Small Acrylic Clearview Art Set by Royal & Langnickel A deluxe acrylic kit designed for portability	Up to 55% Off B-400 Golden Synthetic Brushes in Canister by Dynasty Ideal for the classroom