Calder’s Flamingo: A Curve of Color in Federal Plaza

 

Why it matters

“Flamingo” threads a bright, organic curve through a strict canyon of steel and glass. It shows how a single burst of color can warm a formal space and invite play—office workers eat lunch beneath it; photographers frame commuters through its arches; kids trace the curve with their arms.

When & where to stand

• Morning: Gentle light on the arch; specular highlights on nearby windows.

• Midday: Bold shadows carve graphic shapes under the legs.

• Evening blue hour: Windows glow; the red reads deeper and richer.

• Across the street: Align the arch with the window grid for a striking juxtaposition.

Photo playbook

• Graphic close-ups: Rivets and plate seams tell the maker’s story.

• Human scale: Wait for a single pedestrian in a neutral outfit to contrast with the red.

• Symmetry games: Center the main span; then intentionally break symmetry for energy.

Practical notes

Weekdays are lively; weekends are quieter for long setups. Breezy days can be chilly in the plaza’s wind tunnels—bring a layer.

Respect the space

It’s a federal complex—be mindful of posted signs, security perimeters, and tripods in busy hours.