Photographing Calder’s Red Spider in La Défense – Monumental Art in Urban Steel
How does a monumental sculpture hold its ground amid towers of glass and steel? In Paris’s La Défense district, Calder’s Red Spider rises with force, offering a striking contrast between vibrant art and corporate architecture.
The Red Spider by Alexander Calder, installed in 1976 on the esplanade of La Défense, interacts with the sky and surrounding towers through its monumental scale and vivid red color. Its stretched metal forms create dynamic lines that contrast sharply with the rigid geometry of the business district.
The low-angle perspective enhances the sculptural power of the piece, revealing the upward thrust of its arches. The visible rivets, slanted planes, and taut curves contribute to the raw expressiveness of the structure.
The architectural backdrop—made up of the glass and steel façades of the EDF and TotalEnergies towers—intensifies the confrontation between art and urbanism. The red of the sculpture becomes a strong visual anchor in this vertical landscape dominated by grey and blue.
Discover more urban artworks photographed in La Défense
About the photographer: Sebastien Desnoulez is a professional photographer specializing in architecture and public art. His images explore the tension between urban sculptures and the verticality of cities like La Défense. Learn more.
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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