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Frank J. Malina Papers

An inventory of his papers at Syracuse University


Finding aid created by: -
Date: circa 1967

Biographical History

Frank Malina (1912-1981) was an American aeronautical engineer and kinetic artist. Born in Brenham, Texas to parents of Czechoslovakian extraction (both musicians), Malina was for many years a scientist and directed American rocket research and UNESCO projects. In 1950 he learned the basics of oil painting from Reginald Weston and began to experiment, eventually leaving his UNESCO work to devote himself entirely to the pursuit of art. An early explorer in the field of digital art and the use of computers to create art, he developed the Lumidyne and Reflectodyne techniques which allowed him to essentially paint with light.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Frank J. Malina Papers consist of a subject file of exhibit notices and a collection of published material (articles and clippings by and about Malina). Articles by Malina contains reprints from Leonardo, Science Journal, Astronautica Acta, New Scientist and Spaceflight as well as several typescript articles. Topics covered reflect Malina's careers in both science and art: the Lunar International Laboratory, reminiscences on the beginnings of the GALCIT rocket research program at Cal Tech, the Lumidyne system, "Reflections on the difference between science and art," and "Comments on digital fine art produced by computers."

Arrangement of the Collection

Exhibit notices are arranged chronologically. Clippings are subdivided by type and then arranged chronologically. Articles by Malina are arranged chronologically.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions:

The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advanced notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.

Use Restrictions:

Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Subject Headings

Persons

Malina, Frank J.

Corporate Bodies

Daniel Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory -- History.

Subjects

Aerospace engineering -- History.
Art, Modern -- 20th century.
Digital art.
Kinetic art.
Light in art.
Rocketry -- History.

Genres and Forms

Articles.
Clippings (information artifacts)
Exhibition catalogs.
Memoirs.
Reprints.

Occupations

Aerospace engineers.
Artists.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Frank J. Malina Papers
Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries

Table of Contents

Published material

Subject files

Inventory