RSS
Home
Frida Kahlo at the SF MOMA
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
Frida Kahlo, The Two Fridas, 1939
The summer's big exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art features the work of Frida Kahlo, one of few women artists represented not only in the highly exclusive canon of art history but also as an icon in popular culture. Some of you may have seen the biopic Frida, in which Salma Hayek, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the artist, stars as Kahlo. If that does not ring a bell then surely you have seen Kahlo's distinct mug (pun very intended) on ceramic coffee cups and mouse pads in Museum gift shops worldwide. And um...need I mention that Madonna hoards Kahlo paintings? (I kid you not--Madonna, contrary to popular belief, is actually into someone other than herself.)
However, regardless of her status as Madonna's flavor of the week, or the net sales of museum gift shop coffee mugs, Kahlo's work certainly hold their own and captivate viewers with their powerful and visceral presence.
Andre Breton, self-proclaimed founder of Surrealism and author of The Surrealist Manifesto, admired Frida Kahlo's paintings and famously described Kahlo's work and persona as "the ribbon around the bomb." Though Kahlo was neither a member of the Surrealist movement nor did she create work with Surrealist ideas in mind, Breton's metaphor effectively describes the striking unity and beauty of the contradictory images and concepts in her paintings. All at once, Kahlo's portraits are frightening yet alluring, humourous and caustic, passionate and serene. Furthermore, her paintings take place in dreamlike settings that bring attention to the contrast between her naturalistic style and her use of fantastic imagery.
Kahlo's deeply autobiographical work provide viewers insight into her German-Mexican heritage, her passionate and tumultous relationship with Diego Rivera, the excruciating pain of a crippling childhood traffic accident (the injuries from which persisted throughout her life), and the heart-rending tragedy of her miscarriage. Despite the strong personal influence in her work, Kahlo's paintings draw viewers in through their visceral effect--her paintings invite viewers to respond to the raw emotion expressed on the canvas and reflect upon times in their own lives in which he/she experienced similar emotions.
A word of caution: Because of the anticipated popularity of the Frida Kahlo exhibit, the SF MOMA is charging an additional fee to view the Kahlo exhibit. Furthermore, the SF MOMA is using a timed ticketing system which permit visitors into the gallery only at specific times. I suggest you go on a weekday, early, or on Thursdays when they are open until 9:45 in the evening to avoid the crowds. Trust me, there will be crowds. Information about acquiring advanced tickets and tour inquiries are available on the SF MOMA website.
...And yes, Frida Kahlo Coffee mugs are available for purchase in the gift shop.
Related Articles:
Comments
.jpg)
