Ib Geertsen mobile

This mobile sculpture was designed by Danish artist Ib Geertsen (1919–2009) and produced in Denmark during the 1960s. It is a refined example of mid-century Scandinavian abstract art, blending minimalist form with a delicate sense of movement and spatial harmony.

Crafted from thin, precisely curved metal elements painted in matte cobalt blue, the sculpture features elongated ribbon-like shapes arranged in a balanced, counterweighted composition. This allows the mobile to respond fluidly to ambient air currents, creating a dynamic interplay of line, shape, and space that emphasizes lightness and motion.

Each element subtly tapers and twists, showcasing a combination of handcrafted detail and intentional asymmetry. The blue finish shows slight wear consistent with vintage age, adding character without compromising the overall integrity of the piece.

Ib Geertsen was a pivotal figure in Danish concrete and abstract art, with a career spanning painting, sculpture, and public commissions. As a co-founder of the Linien II group in the 1940s, his work often explored geometric abstraction and kinetic effects. His mobiles, rare and limited in production, represent a significant Nordic contribution to kinetic sculpture, evoking the spirit of Alexander Calder while maintaining a distinct Nordic aesthetic of restraint and formal clarity.

This sculpture exemplifies the Scandinavian modernist ethos of purity, abstraction, and poetic spatial expression, intended for suspension in a space where gentle air movement can bring the piece to life.

The mobile measures approximately 50 cm in diameter and 71 cm in height (about 19.7 inches wide by 28 inches tall) and is designed for ceiling mounting.