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Maira Kalman’s 'Women Holding Things' centers around women, their role and their weight

By Lauren Gilger
Published: Friday, January 6, 2023 - 8:19am
Updated: Monday, May 22, 2023 - 11:12am

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Maira Kalman
Kimisa H.
Maira Kalman is the author of "Women Holding Things."

Maira Kalman’s latest book, "Women Holding Things," began as a pandemic-era booklet. But, as the esteemed artist ruminated on the idea, it only grew. 

The paintings show everything from a woman holding a chicken to Virginia Wolfe “barely holding it together” to Kalman’s father holding her.

It’s funny and spontaneous and, at times, heartbreaking and poignant. And it all centers around women, their role and their weight.

The Show talked with Kalman about the book.

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