The Dalí Museum invites visitors to delve into the lives of one of the most fascinating – and tumultuous – couples in the history of art. Mexican artists Diego Rivera (1886-1957) and Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) were married, divorced and remarried, and their relationship was fraught with both conflict and deep affection. Diego & Frida: A Visual History will be on view from September 5 through January 3, 2021.
More than 60 reproductions of rare historical photographs will offer a personal look into the vibrant world of Rivera and Kahlo’s rich and harrowing 25-year relationship. The images, captured by their friends and family including Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Nickolas Muray, Edward Weston, Guillermo Kahlo and others, showcase their upbringing, family histories, professional careers and more, culminating with the last known photograph of the couple.
“It is fascinating to see the lives of artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo through the discerning eyes of their close family and friends,” said Curator of Education and exhibition curator Peter Tush. “This visual documentary serves as an extension of the publicly acclaimed Frida Kahlo at The Dalí exhibit in 2017. We see the couple’s rich journey together as they became icons of the difficult changes in 20th century culture.”
Their individual artistic talents and powerful union helped Rivera and Kahlo become prominent figures of the time and one of the most provocative and recognized couples in the world of art. Rivera was known for his large-scale murals that ushered in a new era of fresco painting in Latin America; Kahlo for her colorful and intense self-portraits. While Rivera’s fame was established during his life, Kahlo became most famous after her death, as her life story of injury, illness and her struggle with alcohol and drugs found a receptive audience.
Diego & Frida: A Visual History is on display in the Raymond James Community Room. This exhibit is on loan from The Consulate of Mexico in Orlando and is made possible by the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo.
Related Programs and Events
The Dalí has organized programming to accompany the special exhibition Diego & Frida: A Visual History. All events are virtual and free to the public.
Netflix Watch Party
Thursday, Sept. 3, 6 p.m. via Netflix Party; Free for Netflix subscribers
Attendees will engage in an artist-inspired conversation while streaming Julie Taymor’s biopic Frida, prior to the public opening of Diego & Frida: A Visual History. At the end of the movie, Curator of Education, Peter Tush, will be available for Q&A.
Keeping Culture Alive: Stories from the Diaspora
Thursday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m. via Zoom; Free
This lively panel discussion will explore the myriad ways and reasons why people remain connected to their home cultures while living in a new country. Panelists will delve into traditions, food, friendships and more, concluding with Q&A. This discussion (held on Zoom) is taking place in collaboration with SPIFFS (St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society).
Coffee with a Curator
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m. via The Museum YouTube channel; Free
This special streaming installment of the Museum’s Coffee with a Curator series features a presentation of Diego and Frida: A Visual History by Curator of Education, Peter Tush. During this talk, the photos of the exhibit will be contextualized with the art that Rivera and Kahlo were producing through their three decades together, and the stories of their troubled co-existence as they crossed paths with many of the most important figures from the early 20th century.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Thursday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. (English) and 6 p.m. (Spanish) via Zoom; Free
A celebration to mark the end of National Hispanic Heritage Month, these events (held on Zoom) will take place in two parts – first in English and then in Spanish. Attendees can view a virtual tour of the Diego & Frida: A Visual History exhibition and a sharing of written reflections on heritage and culture. This event is taking place in partnership with the Hispanic Outreach Center.
By Chadd Scott
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