5 Reasons to See Frida: Beyond the Myth Exhibition at the Dallas Museum of Art

The Setting

It is the opening day of Frida: Beyond the Myth, and the excitement of the crowd is palpable. There is a line to get into the exhibit itself, but those who are waiting are merely impatient to see the art that lies just out of their line of vision. Old and young, the diversity of those attending the exhibit is remarkable and beautiful to see. Clearly, Kahlo’s art appeals to a wide audience.

Behind the Curtain

Frida Kahlo constructed a persona that she presented to the public. This technique allowed her  to maintain a degree of control over how others perceived her while also lending her some privacy in an increasingly public life. Often, the carefully curated quality of Kahlo’s art captures the essence of the artist while obscuring the complexities of the woman herself. The Dallas Museum of Art’s show offers a look behind the curtain of the performance that was Frida Kahlo’s life. Though the reasons to visit this exhibit are many, the following five highlights provide a glimpse into this enlightening show.

All of the images of artwork included in this article are featured in Frida: Beyond the Myth.

Reason #1: Discovering Kahlo’s Humanity

A memorable highlight of the Dallas exhibition is a still-life painting that Frida Kahlo created for her dentist and friend, Samuel Fastlicht. There is a certain relatability that comes from learning that Kahlo had a dentist and that she made artwork for him. Through years of fame and artistic acclaim, one can forget that Kahlo was human, just like the rest of us. This fascinating artwork is an excellent and tangible reminder of this fact. Its composition of sprawling objects that are almost on top of each other grabs the viewer’s attention and does not let go.

Reason #2: Behind the Façade

There are a number of deeply personal artworks in the Dallas exhibition, both of and by Frida Kahlo. One such example is her Self-Portrait with Loose Hair. Differing from her typical representation of herself, she is not shown with the perfectly coiffed hair and flower crown that has become synonymous with her appearance. With candor, Kahlo states in writing that she is painting herself at the age of 37 while in Coyoacán, Mexico, the place where she was born.

She is not by any means trying to hide the pain with which she struggled daily, for it is evident in her facial expression. This pain would impact her life from childhood, when she had polio, and increased exponentially in her teenage years, when she was involved in a bus accident. This pain would follow her to the end of her life, and it would also play a significant role in the symbolism of her art.

Reason #3: Frida Through the Eyes of Those Who Loved Her

One of the aspects of this exhibit, that provides the clearest view into the real Kahlo, is the artwork that was made of her by those who loved her. This included her husband, famed artist Diego Rivera, and the photographer with whom she had a decade-long affair, Nickolas Muray.

These images of Kahlo capture her appearance, certainly, but what is most remarkable is the heart and soul that you can sense by looking at the way in which these artists chose to represent her. Whether through carefully composed photographs or metaphorical imagery, the vision of Kahlo in such artworks fits seamlessly in with Kahlo’s art.

Reason #4: A Variety of Media

It is a rarity to see Kahlo’s artwork beyond her famous paintings; however, she created art with a variety of media. This is reflected in this exhibit through pastel drawings, gesture and exploratory pencil sketches, prints, and mixed media productions: over 60 works of art (16 paintings, 12 drawings, 2 prints, and 31 photographs). Kahlo’s oeuvre, already formidable when only her paintings are considered, is considerably more impressive with her multi-faceted talents on display.

Reason #5: Only Known Linocut

In keeping with the rest of this exhibit’s pleasant surprises, Kahlo’s only known linocut is on display. Its abstractions deviate from the typical Surrealist style of Kahlo’s self-portraits. This is evident through the linocut’s flatness and its minimal lines and shapes which stand in sharp contrast to the realistic style of Kahlo’s best-known paintings. This print provides a glimpse into a world of abstract art that could have been, should the artist have moved in a different direction, both stylistically and technically.

A Vision for All

The highlights listed above provide a small preview into Frida: Beyond the Myth and how it can reveal more about the artist. However, it is important to note that nothing can compare to the experience of seeing the exhibit in-person. Whether you are an avid Kahlo enthusiast or someone who is new to her art, you will find new ways to appreciate the artist who has become such an icon that she is now shrouded in myth. This exhibit will help you to uncover the real Frida while continuing to pique your interest in this intriguing artist. It is a spectacle that is not to be missed.

Frida: Beyond the Myth is on view at Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas, TX, USA, through November 17th, 2024.