Maria Kalman: Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World) Premiers at The Jewish Museum, 3/11

This first major museum survey of the work of illustrator, author and designer Maira Kalman, known for her whimsical yet probing imagery, features a selection spanning thirty years of 100 original paintings, drawings, and sketches shown along with the many ways Kalman's work has entered contemporary culture - in books and magazines, and on commercial products, from clothing to watches. Less widely seen works in photography, embroidery, textiles, and performance are also included.

Kalman illuminates contemporary life with a profound sense of joy and a unique sense of humor. Many of Kalman's best-known works are on display in the exhibition, including iconic covers created for The New Yorker magazine; Stay Up Late and Ooh-la-la (Max in Love), and other children's books she authored and illustrated; drawings from her critically hailed illustrated edition of Strunk and White's The Elements of Style, the classic writer's reference manual; and artwork from her online columns for The New York Times.

Organized by the Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Maira Kalman: Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World) was curated by ICA Senior Curator Ingrid Schaffner. The exhibition runs from March 11 - July 31, 2011 at The Jewish Museum. For further information, please visit http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/exhibitions/mkalman