In today’s New York Times Opinion Page, Maira Kalman brings her artistic gifts [love her New Yorker covers] to bear on her relationship with Abraham Lincoln. I’m still trying to figure it out, but I love the way Kalman balances what appears to be a fairly sophisticated understanding of Lincoln’s life and legacy with the innocence of the illustrations and child-like penmanship. At one point Kalman imagines bringing Lincoln into “my world,” which includes meeting Frida Kahlo, viewing an exhibit of Fred Sandback’s sculptures, and a baked potato. What do you think?
Falling in Love With Abraham Lincoln
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The Kalman page is quite interesting. It is an excellent blending of art, history and humor. The combination of many different aspects of Lincoln’s life, presented in an entertaining and colorful way should be appreciated. No doubt that people who read this page will take something interesting, thoughtful or engaging from it. Whether it is considering Lincoln’s place in world history (contemporary Russian and Japanese declarations are an interesting comparison, one I would not have made on my own), his supposed take on feminine sexuality or minimalism in art or even little details of his death. These themes are all addressed in unique ways that would otherwise have most people snoring. This is a great example of public history.
Tom,
I thought so too.
I know this is way late (March 2012) but when I saw that a couple of years back I loved it, probably for all the reasons stated by Tom.