The most bewildering aspect of this new exhibition
featuring the work of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo (1907-l954), is
that of lost time. Partly, this is caused by the slowness of the
cataloguing of her effects, comprising 25,000 letters and 180 dresses,
and partly by a wealthy but highly possessive executor, Dolores
Olmedo Patino, owner of some 25 key paintings (from a total output
of some 150 paintings only), as well as the demystification of the
enigma of Kahlo's relationships with Diego Rivera and with Trotsky.
Fortunately, Raquel Tibol, a critical and loyal friend, is still
alive. And Olmedo's son, Carlos Phillips, has remained as the Director
General of both the Frida Kahlo Museum and of her archive held in
her 16th century hacienda home since Olmedo herself died three years
ago. This has to be seen as fortuitous, given the varying levels
of continuity that have characterised the history of these collections.
The exhibition 'Frida Kahlo', sponsored by HSBC with support from
the Mexican Tourist Board, started at Tate Modern on 9 June. Also
currently showing is Frida Kahlo, Portraits of an Icon, at the National
Portrait Gallery, London, through to 26 June.
Both exhibitions will be reviewed together in early July in Studio
International.