Maira Kalman
Maira Kalman
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Maira Kalman was a renowned Israeli-American artist, illustrator, writer, and designer. Her full name is Miriam Kalman, but she was commonly known as Maira Kalman.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on November 5, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Maira Kalman passed away on April 9, 2019, at the age of 69.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Maira Kalman held dual Israeli-American citizenship and worked as an artist, illustrator, writer, and designer. Her diverse range of skills and mediums made her a versatile creative force in the art world.
Early Life and Background
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Kalman was born to a family of artists and intellectuals. Her father, David Kalman, was an architect, while her mother, Zipporah Kalman, was an artist and designer. Growing up in Israel during the 1950s, Maira was exposed to a rich cultural environment that would later influence her work. In 1961, she immigrated with her family to the United States, settling in Cleveland, Ohio. This move marked a significant turning point in Kalman's life, as it introduced her to new artistic traditions and styles.
Major Accomplishments
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Kalman's illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which she achieved numerous accolades. Some of her most notable accomplishments include:
Publishing her first book, "Maira Kalman: Soup," in 2003.
Creating the cover for The New Yorker magazine on more than one occasion.
Designing and illustrating various children's books.
Developing a comprehensive body of work as an artist and illustrator.
Notable Works or Actions
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Kalman's notable works include:
Her iconic illustration for The New Yorker, "The Weather," (2003).
A series of portraits of artists and intellectuals for the magazine's cover.
Collaborating with her husband, Tibor Kalman, on numerous design projects.
Impact and Legacy
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Maira Kalman's impact on the art world is profound. Her innovative style, which blended elements of fine art, illustration, and design, paved the way for future generations of artists. Her ability to seamlessly transition between mediums allowed her to make a lasting impression across various artistic disciplines.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Kalman's work continues to inspire artists and designers today due to its:
Innovative approach to combining fine art, illustration, and design.
Ability to convey complex ideas through accessible and engaging storytelling.
Commitment to using her platform for social commentary and awareness.
Overall, Maira Kalman was a visionary artist who left an indelible mark on the world of art. Her dedication to exploring new mediums and styles will continue to inspire artists for generations to come.
Quotes by Maira Kalman
The pieces I chose were based on one thing only – a gasp of delight. Isn’t that the only way to curate a life?
I don’t want to trudge up insane mountains or through war-torn lands. Just a nice stroll through the hill and dale. But now I walk everywhere in the city. Any city. You see everything you need to see in a lifetime. Every emotion. Every condition. Every fashion. Every glory.
The ability to take a walk from one point to the next point, that is half the battle won.
If you go too fast you might not notice everything. On the other hand, you don’t want to be late.
Isn’t that the only way to curate a life? To live among things that make you gasp with delight?
I read obituaries first thing in the morning. With a cup of coffee. This is NOT MORBID. Just epic. Maybe it’s a way of trying to figure out, before the day begins, what is important. And I am curious about all the little things that make up life. Little?
I like Thomas Jefferson, though he intimidated me. I thought he would have been very tough to be around. I don’t know if he had such a sense of humor.
I said, ‘Well, how much space do I have?’ And they said, ‘Well, you know, it’s the Internet.’
It’s almost impossible to reconcile the realities of how one feels during the day, hour by hour. But I approach things not cynically.
You’d have to be completely crazy not to be influenced by and take from other artists. It’s completely impossible not to.