Are You a Fridomaniac? If So, Head to Mexico City for a new Frida exhibit

Art lovers now have a new reason to visit Mexico City: The largest-ever exhibit of Frida Kahlo's work has opened here at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Timed to celebrate the centennial of the artist's birth, the exhibit will include paintings, drawings, engravings, letters, and photographs.

Kahlo is arguably the world's best-known Mexican artist. Her colorful, exuberant paintings popularized Mexican folk art worldwide. But she's known as much for her colorful life (and stormy marriage to the Mexican muralist Diego Rivera) as for her work.

The exhibit's organizers acknowledge this. Roxana Velázquez, director of the museum, says that it's impossible to totally ignore Fridomanía, as the fascination with all things Frida has come to be called.

Kahlo's life, personal relationships, and politics have been the subject of books and at least one film (starring Mexican actress Salma Hayak). And Kahlo's image, with her famous eyebrows, appears on innumerable tourist items both here and abroad.

While not ignoring the marketing juggernaut that Fridomanía has become, the exhibit's 354 pieces aim to show Kahlo's creative and artistic side. And the quality of the work, say curators of the exhibit, is exceptional.

Best Regards,

Suzan Haskins
Editor, Mexico Insider
International Living

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