Michael Kalil's Bookmarks for the Museum of Modern Art

by Rita Colognola

“Michael Kalil (1943-1991) was an educator, interior residential and commercial architect, philosopher and artist. As the Principal of Kalil Studio (1981-1991), he was known for his innovative work with technology and materials, most notably for developing an award winning automated office space for Armstrong World Industries, and for creating a Space Station habitation module prototype for NASA (1983-1986).”(1). He “was known for his abstract designs, spoke of himself as a "space engineer" and was constantly experimenting with space. ... His work has been exhibited at a number of museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Crafts, the Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum.”(2), In 2001 the "Michael Kalil Endowment for Smart Design" was established in his memory at the School of Constructed Environments (SCE).

What has to do an artist and philosopher with bookmarks? In 1973 Michael Kalil produced exclusively for the MOMA (Museum of Moden Art, New York) a beautiful set of three satin-finished brass bookmarks. They are round-shaped with decorative cutouts, measure 5 cm in diameter and are contained in a folded case of black light cardboard. The design is fascinating in its semplicity and perfectly fitting the material chosen. The set would be called by collectors of modern art-related items an “artist’s book”. I am not aware (but as it is not my field I can’t be totally sure) of another artist’s book produced for an exhibition of modern art, purposely composed by bookmarks and, obviously, I am delighted at the idea that at least one artist did it.

Pictures will describe better than any word this beautiful,  attractive set.

Bookmarks by Michael Kalil, 1973

Bookmarks by Michael Kalil, 1973, back of folder

Bookmarks by Michael Kalil, 1973

Bookmarks by Michael Kalil, 1973

Bookmarks by Michael Kalil, 1973

Bookmarks by Michael Kalil, 1973

Bookmarks by Michael Kalil, 1973

(1) Jen Larson, Michael Kalil, An Introduction 
(2) Joan Cook, Michael Kalil, 47, An Innovator as an Abstract Interior Designer, obituary published in the New York Times, July 4, 1991 

Editor's Note:  A few short articles advertise the bookmarks as stylish reading accessories.

This article does not have photos but reveals that Kalil also designed another intersesting bookmark:
Darlyn Brewer. “Helpful Hardware: Metal Bookmarks.” The New York Times. New York, N.Y: New York Times Company, 1985, Late Edition (East Coast) edition.
The Museum of Modern Art sells a set of three satin-finished brass bookmarks. Designed by Michael Kalil exclusively for the museum, each is round with decorative cutouts and measures two inches in diameter. The set costs $17.50. Also designed by Mr. Kalil is a sterling silver bookmark. For $40, it comes packaged in a black pouch made of Japanese rice paper, which is designed by Morishima Hiroshi. The bookmark is two inches in diameter and the pouch measures approximately 3 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches. The museum store is at 11 West 53d Street. Museum members get a discount. 

“Tools for Living.” Harper’s (New York, N.Y.) 252, no. 1508 (1976): 88

This article simply says that the three bookmarks are available for $17.50 from the MOMA store. 

Carol Lawson. “Small Luxuries Make a Difference.” New York Times (1923-). New York, N.Y: New York Times Company, 10 April 1986, p. C12.

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