Frida Kahlo, Her Photos Exhibit Captures Iconic Mexican Artist as Never Seen Before

Famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo revealed her soul in the brush strokes of her self-portraits. Nearly 60 years after her death, the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach is set to show a different side of Kahlo's life through photographs. The exhibit Frida Kahlo, Her Photos, curated by Pablo Ortiz Monasterio, opens this Saturday with special events throughout the weekend including an all-day Fridamania Festival!

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More than 200 photographs from Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul archives in Mexico City will be displayed. Legendary Mexican muralist Diego Rivera stipulated Kahlo's request in her will that over 6,500 photographs and other personals belonging to the married couple were to never leave Mexico. The images, accordingly, are vintage reproductions.

Pablo Ortiz Monasterio gained access to the originals in 2007. The photographs had not been seen in public for over fifty years until the Mexican photographer/historian curated the exhibit.

“What the show might do for some folks, is that it might undo the Frida that's known through popular culture,” says Molaa's curator Edward Hayes, Jr. “The exhibition gives you different perspectives of her personal life. This is not something on a t-shirt design. It's all black and white, there's no color. It takes you back in time.”

Frida Kahlo, Her Photos is organized into six sections showcasing, among other things, portraits of her parents, her home, disabled body, and “Diego's gaze.” They include “images of Frida, by Frida and for Frida” providing for a unique look into the life of the renowned artist.

The show traveled through Mexico City, Portugal and the United States. “This is the last chance to see it in the U.S.,” says Hayes. “From here the show is going to go to Brazil.”

Not to be missed, the exhibit kicks off Saturday night with special performances by Grammy-award winning East LA band Quetzal and Metralleta de Oro. Frida aficionados are encouraged to arrive in attire inspired by the artist!

The next day, Molaa will host a free Fridamania Festival from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in celebration of Women's History Month. An 'Art Chat' with Hilda Trujillo, Museum Director of Museo Frida Kahlo and Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli scholarly discusses the exhibit.

There will also be Frida look-a-like contest as part of the day's activities so start growing your unibrows now!

Frida Kahlo, Her Photos Exhibition Opening Party takes place this Saturday at the Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach. 7:30 p.m.- Midnight. $20 non-members. Fridamania Festival happens Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Molaa. Free. Exhibit runs through June 8, 2014

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