Origami Mobile History

A mobile is a sculpture with balanced parts that allows it to move freely when gently encouraged by a breeze. The word is an old one, coming from the Old English and based on the Latin word mobilis - i.e. To Move. However, the actual creation of mobiles is relatively recent.

Alexander Calder came from a family of sculptors and in the 1920s became fascinated with the idea of sculptures that moved on their own. He first created motor and gear drive sculptures, but soon moved on to a more natural style - sculptures that nature would cause to move. In 1931, Marcel Duchamp was the first to title these creations "mobiles". They are often called "kinetic mobiles" or "kinetic structures".

Origami is the perfect partner for a mobile. The Japanese often hung pieces of paper, streamers, fish shapes and other symbols from trees and homes to celebrate the passing of the seasons. They would decorate the home with origami to bring cheer and luck to their lives. Adding motion to this traditional form of artwork is a true marriage of beauty and functionality.

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