Photo Fridays: Frida Kahlo and her Circle March 2, 2012

The painter Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) is one of Mexico’s most famous artists and an international icon. Like many in her circle of influential artists and other luminaries in post-revolutionary Mexico, she celebrated her country’s history, championed the contributions of its working poor and their struggle for a better life, and cherished the rich culture of its indigenous peoples. Kahlo favored lavish traditional dress and jewelry, which also featured prominently in her paintings, and filled her bohemian barrio with hand-made weavings and folk objects. Her turbulent marriage to renowned muralist Diego Rivera took her to the United States and to Europe, where she was treated as an exotic celebrity. However, she was happiest at home in Mexico.

This viewing offers a number of striking portraits of Kahlo by Lola Alvarez Bravo, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Gisèle Freund, and Edward Weston, as well as a selection of artists who were part of her heady social circle in Mexico City, including the leading muralists Diego Rivera, José Orozco and David Siqueiros, poet Carlos Pellicer Cámara, and actress Rosaura Revuleltas. Images of Mexican folk toys and utilitarian goods will also be included.

Photo Friday is an exclusive look at the Center’s world renowned fine art photograph collection. The first Friday of every month from 11:30am to 3:30pm, the public will be able to view original works of photographic art in our Print Viewing Room on the second floor. Without frame or glass, visitors can examine each photograph’s surface, see detail otherwise obscured by protective glass, and connect with the works on an intimate level. This is an extraordinary opportunity typically enjoyed by specialists. Expect to see collection highlights as well as surprising, lesser-known treasures that will help inform your knowledge of the history of photography, its techniques, and its practitioners. The works selected for Photo Friday will change every month, so we hope visitors will want to come back for Photo Fridays throughout the year.

Official Website: http://www.creativephotography.org/