Maira Kalman: A Life of Art, Illustration, and Storytelling

 Maira Kalman is a remarkable American artist, illustrator, writer, and designer whose works transcend traditional boundaries and delve deeply into the human condition. With over 30 books for adults and children and exhibitions in prestigious museums worldwide, Kalman's vibrant and insightful creations have captured the hearts of many. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, and raised in New York City, her life's journey is as colorful and inspiring as her art. This blog explores the multifaceted life and career of Maira Kalman, from her early beginnings to her current status as an influential cultural figure.

Maira Kalman Biography - Early Life and Education

Birth and Family Background

Maira Kalman was born on November 5, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Her mother, Sara Berman, originally from Belarus, moved to Israel to escape the pogroms. This rich cultural background provided a unique tapestry of experiences and stories that would later influence Kalman's work. At the age of four, Kalman and her family relocated to Riverdale, Bronx in New York City, where she would spend her formative years.

Education

Kalman attended the High School of Music & Art, now known as LaGuardia High School, where she honed her artistic skills. She then pursued English literature at New York University (NYU), a field that would complement her artistic endeavors and deepen her understanding of storytelling and narrative structures. It was during her time at NYU that she met Tibor Kalman, a designer from Budapest who would become her husband and collaborator.

Maira Kalman Career Beginnings and M&Co.

Meeting Tibor Kalman

At the age of 18, while studying at NYU, Maira met Tibor Kalman. Tibor, a native of Budapest, had moved to New York City as a child. The couple married in 1981, and their partnership extended beyond their personal lives into their professional endeavors. They had two children, Lulu Bodoni and Alexander Onomatopoeia, who both attended the City and Country School in Greenwich Village.

M&Co.

In 1979, Tibor founded M&Co., a graphic and design consultancy that would become iconic in the design world. Maira played a crucial role in the development and success of the company. M&Co. created innovative and memorable work for clients such as Interview magazine, Restaurant Florent, the band Talking Heads, the National Audubon Society, and the Museum of Modern Art. Maira's artistic vision and creative input were integral to the distinctive style and approach that M&Co. became known for.

Maira Kalman - Children's Books and The New Yorker

Children’s Books

Maira Kalman's foray into children's literature began in the mid-1980s. Her first children's book, "Stay Up Late" (1985), featured her illustrations paired with the lyrics of musician David Byrne. This debut marked the beginning of a prolific career in children's literature, with Kalman creating a multitude of beloved books that combine whimsical illustrations with profound and often humorous insights into the human experience.

The New Yorker

Since 1995, Kalman has been a regular contributor to The New Yorker, producing many cover illustrations and illustrated columns. Her distinctive style, characterized by vibrant colors and a keen observation of everyday life, has graced the magazine's covers and pages, delighting readers with its charm and depth. Her contributions to The New Yorker have solidified her reputation as a versatile and influential artist.

Maira Kalman - List of Books

Here is the list of all books by Maira Kalman:

1. Hey Willie, See the Pyramids (1988) Viking/Penguin
2. Sayonara, Mrs. Kackleman (1989) Viking Kestrel/Penguin
3. Max Makes a Million (1990) Viking/Penguin
4. Roarr, Calder's Circus (1991) Delacorte Press/Bantam Dell/Random House
5. Max In Hollywood, Baby (1992) Viking/Penguin
6. Chicken Soup, Boots (1993) Viking/Penguin
7. Ooh-la-la, Max in Love (1994) Viking/Penguin
8. Swami on Rye: Max in India (1995) Viking/Penguin
9. Max Deluxe (1996) Viking/Penguin
10. Next Stop Grand Central (1999) Putnam/Penguin
11. (un)Fashion (with Tibor Kalman) (2005) Harry N. Abrams
12. What Pete Ate From A to Z (2001) Putnam/Penguin
13. Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey (2002) Putnam/Penguin
14. Colors: Tibor Kalman, Issues 1–13 (with Tibor Kalman) (2002)
15. Smartypants (Pete In School)
16. The Illustrated Elements of Style (with William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White) (2008) Penguin
17. The Principles of Uncertainty (2009) Penguin Press
18. Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World) (2010) DelMonico Prestel München
19. 13 words (by Lemony Snicket) (2010) HarperCollins Children's Books
20. And the Pursuit of Happiness (2010) Penguin Press
21. Food Rules (by Michael Pollan) (2011) Penguin Group
22. Looking at Lincoln (2012) Nancy Paulsen Books
23. Girls Standing on Lawns (by Daniel Handler) (2014) Abrams Books for Young Readers
24. My Favorite Things (2014) Harper Design
25. Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything (2014) Nancy Paulsen Books
26. Beloved Dog (2015) Penguin Press
27. Hurry Up and Wait (by Daniel Handler) (2015) Museum of Modern Art, New York
28. Weather, Weather (by Daniel Handler) (2016) Museum of Modern Art, New York
29. Cake (with Barbara Scott-Goodman) (2018) Penguin Press
30. Swami on Rye: Max in India (2018) NYR Children's Collection
31. Rembrandt's Polish Rider (with Xavier F. Salomon) (2019) The Frick Collection

Maira Kalman - Awards and Recognitions

In 2017, Maira Kalman was awarded the AIGA Medal for her contributions to storytelling, illustration, and design. This prestigious award recognized her ability to push the limits of these fields, continually innovating and inspiring others through her work. The AIGA Medal is a testament to Kalman's enduring impact on the world of art and design.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for Nonfiction (2003) for "Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey"

AIGA Medal (2017) for her work in "storytelling, illustration, and design while pushing the limits of all three"

Maira Kalman- List of Exhibitions

Here is a list of select exhibitions by Maira Kalman:

1. 2003 – Just Looking, Julie Saul Gallery, New York, NY
2. 2005 – I Can't Stand All the Excitement, Julie Saul Gallery, New York, NY
3. 2007 – The Principles of Uncertainty, Julie Saul Gallery, New York, NY
4. 2008 – Just Looking, Beihang University, Beijing, China
5. 2009 – The Elements of Style, Memorial Art Gallery, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
6. 2010 – Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco, CA; Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
7. 2010 – Further Illuminations, Julie Saul Gallery, New York, NY
8. 2010 – Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World), The Jewish Museum, New York, NY; Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA
9. 2011 – 25 Years/25 Artists, Julie Saul Gallery, New York, NY
10. 2011 – Storied City: New York in Picture Book Art, Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, NY
11. 2012 – 37 Paintings, Julie Saul Gallery, New York, NY
12. 2013 – What Pete Ate from A to Z, Madison Children's Museum, Madison, Wisconsin
13. 2014 – Girls Standing on Lawns and Other Projects, Julie Saul Gallery, New York, New York
14. 2014 – Maira Kalman: My Favorite Things, The Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, New York, NY
15. 2014 – The Elements of Style, The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville, TN
16. 2014 – Thomas Jefferson Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything, Monticello, Charlottesville, VA
17. 2015 – Sara Berman's Closet, Mmuseumm, New York City, New York
18. 2017 – Sara Berman's Closet, in collaboration with Alex Kalman, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York
19. 2019 – The Pursuit of Everything: Maira Kalman's Books for Children, The High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia
20. 2022 – Women Holding Things, Mary Ryan Gallery, New York City

Maira Kalman - Personal Life

Residence and Family

Maira Kalman resides in Greenwich Village, New York City, a vibrant and artistic community that reflects her creative spirit. She and Tibor Kalman shared a deep partnership until his passing in 1999. Her children, Lulu Bodoni and Alexander Onomatopoeia, have grown up surrounded by their mother's artistic influence and continue to be a source of inspiration for her.

Parents and Siblings

While specific details about her siblings are not widely known, Maira's mother, Sara Berman, has been a significant figure in her life and work. Sara Berman's background and experiences have provided a rich source of stories and inspiration, influencing Maira's artistic journey.

Maira Kalman - Social Media and Online Presence

Maira Kalman maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans and sharing her latest projects and insights.

• Instagram (@mairakalman): With 83.4k followers, Maira uses Instagram to share glimpses of her artwork, daily life, and inspirations.
• X (formerly Twitter) (@MairaKalman): On this platform, she has 3.6k followers and shares thoughts, updates, and reflections.
• YouTube (@mairakalman5120): Her YouTube channel features videos that provide deeper insights into her creative process and works.
• Official Website: Maira's official website, mairakalman.com, offers a comprehensive view of her portfolio, including her books, illustrations, and design projects.

Maira Kalman - Impact and Legacy

Maira Kalman's work has left an indelible mark on the fields of illustration, design, and storytelling. Her ability to capture the essence of the human condition with humor, warmth, and insight has endeared her to audiences of all ages. Through her books, magazine contributions, and design work, Kalman continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and readers.

Conclusion

Maira Kalman's life and career are a testament to the power of creativity and storytelling. From her early days in Tel Aviv to her current status as a celebrated artist in New York City, Kalman has used her talents to explore and illuminate the human experience. Her contributions to literature, illustration, and design have not only entertained but also enriched the cultural landscape. As she continues to create and inspire, Maira Kalman's legacy as a dynamic and influential artist remains firmly established.