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Flamingo (model for the blind) by Alexander Calder
Photo CreditGSA\Michael Finn
Flamingo (model for the blind)
Photo CreditGSA\Michael Finn

Flamingo (model for the blind)

Artist
Yearc.1973
Classification sculpture
Dimensions68 H x 92 1/2 L x 46 1/4 W
Credits Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration

Location
  • The model, Flamingo, is a small replica of the outdoor stabile or static work of sculpture (also titled Flamingo) created for the adjacent John C. Kluczynski Federal Building.  This smaller version of "Flamingo", was created specifically for the enjoyment of the visually impaired.  The model was reduced to one tenth the size of the original stabile for tactile convenience and interaction with the work.  Because the sculpture was meant to be touched, this allows the visually impaired to discover the impact of the original stabile which stands in the open plaza surrounded by three modern Federal buildings designed by Mies Van Der Rohe.  The original stabile is 53 feet high, 29 feet wide and 60 feet in length, is built of steel plates and has a total weight of fifty tons.  Both the original and this replica are painted bright "Calder red."