See Frida Kahlo Artwork in the Flesh At Auckland Art Gallery

Isaac Taylor

Frida embraced all in her artwork, and in doing so she made herself an art icon years before the likes of Andy Warhol turned it into a factory line process of iconography.

Now we get to see her artwork without even having to leave our fair shores as it’s part of Auckland Art Gallery’s latest exhibition “Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: Art and Life in Modern Mexico”. As the title suggests, the exhibition features pieces from the famous couple, as well as featuring painting and photography by leading artists in their circle.

As Kahlo reflected on national identity by reflecting on herself, Rivera was outward facing, looking at the subject on a vast scale. Both of these artists were hugely influential following the Mexican revolution.

“Frida Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, are internationally recognised for their contributions to twentieth-century art. Both artists, despite possessing completely different styles, became two of Mexico’s most celebrated and inspiring personalities, representing Mexican identity through their work,” says Auckland Art Gallery Director, Kirsten Lacy.

The exhibition will feature over 150 artworks, including paintings by some of Mexico’s leading figures, Carlos Mérida, María Izquierdo and Juan Soriano, and photographers Lola Álvarez Bravo, Manuel Álvarez Bravo and Nickolas Muray.

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: Art and Life in Modern Mexico Opening Sat 15 Oct – Adults $24.50, Members FREE

Until then, Auckland Art Gallery is hosting the free exhibition Walls to Live Beside, Rooms to Own, opening Saturday 3 September using the Chartwell Collection as a source. The exhibition is a reflection of how our relationship with the home has changed during the pandemic. The Chartwell Collection was first started in 1974 as post-war attitudes around the home shifted dramatically.

Those attitudes are changing even more as owning a home becomes increasingly out of reach for many, and a prison for those that have during the pandemic.

No matter when you head to the gallery, there will be something that will tickle your mind. Go head into the city, they could do with the support.

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