Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Frank Malina Biography
Frank Joseph Malina was a man of remarkable intellect and creativity, whose life journey encapsulated the fusion of science and art. Born on October 2, 1912, in Brenham, Texas, to Czech immigrants, Malina's early life was marked by a transatlantic upbringing. His family returned to Czechoslovakia from 1920 to 1925, but with aspirations for a superior education for their son, they moved back to the United States. Malina's academic prowess led him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University in 1934.
Following his undergraduate studies, Malina received a scholarship for graduate studies at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). There, he earned Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering. His time at Caltech was pivotal; under the mentorship of Theodore von Kármán, a leading figure in aerodynamics, Malina's fascination with rocketry and space exploration took flight. By 1940, he had received a Ph.D. in Aeronautics from Caltech, with his doctoral thesis focusing on rocket propulsion theory.
Malina's scientific career was marked by his pioneering work in early rocketry. In 1936, he co-founded the GALCIT Rocket Research Project with von Kármán, which later evolved into the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Malina's work with JPL led to the development of the WAC Corporal sounding rocket, the first U.S. rocket to breach the 50-mile altitude mark and reach space. His contributions to rocket propulsion were foundational to the U.S. space program, and he played a significant role in the establishment of Aerojet Engineering Corporation, a major aerospace player to this day.
Despite his scientific achievements, Malina's life was not without controversy. His early interest in communism and labor activism during the 1930s attracted the attention of the FBI. Although there is little evidence to suggest he engaged in espionage, his political affiliations led to years of surveillance and harassment, particularly during the McCarthy era. This scrutiny, coupled with his disillusionment with the military applications of his work, prompted a dramatic career shift.
In 1947, seeking a role in promoting peace rather than war, Malina left JPL and moved to Paris to work for UNESCO. He became head of the Division of Scientific Research, focusing on international scientific cooperation and the Arid Zone Research Program. However, by 1953, Malina's creative spirit led him to resign from UNESCO and pursue a career as a kinetic artist.
As an artist, Malina was a pioneer of lumino-kinetic art, creating sculptures that incorporated motion, light, and elements from his engineering background. He produced over 250 works, which were exhibited across Europe, and founded the influential art journal Leonardo in 1968. The journal, which still publishes today, fosters dialogue between the arts and sciences, reflecting Malina's lifelong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
Malina's artistic endeavors did not sever his ties to the scientific community. In the late 1950s, he helped found the International Academy of Astronautics and served as its president, promoting international cooperation in space exploration. His legacy in both the scientific and artistic realms is carried on through the Leonardo journal and the International Society for the Arts, Sciences and Technology (Leonardo/ISAST), which continues to be a leading organization for artists and scientists interested in the application of contemporary science and technology to the arts and music.
Frank J. Malina's life was a testament to the power of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge across disciplines. He passed away on November 9, 1981, in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, France, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire those who traverse the intersection of science and art. His story is a reminder of the boundless potential that lies in the convergence of diverse fields of human endeavor.
Frank Malina Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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