Kalman's Utopia

While browsing the STAFF FAVORITES shelf at the New York Public Library recently, I happened upon this book of Maira Kalman illustrations titled American Utopia.

Wait, I thought. She's my favorite too. So why haven't I seen this book before? 

I have a copy of the Kalman-illustrated edition of Strunk and White’s "Elements of Style”.

And always spend more time than necessary with her editorial illustrations in the New York Times, New Yorker or Departures. 

Furthermore I had gone to see the David Byrne musical of the same name on broadway with my daughter, before theaters closed down for COVID. 

I knew Kalman was involved with the production of American Utopia, because her unmistakeable illustrations covered the stage curtain before it went up and the show started. 

But the book had somehow eluded me.

Kalman’s Utopia goes well beyond the curtain doodles, illustrating words and ideas from the songs and stage talk. 

The book’s loopy colorful illustrations skip and jump across the pages, conjuring good memories from that pre-pandemic night at the Hudson Theater.

I’m so glad I found it.

Better late than never.

Please take a look, here:  https://mairakalman.com/american-utopia