Frida Kahlo is already considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century, with a strange and original style, shocking and even scandalous subjects and an artistic vision that transcended everything that had been done before. At the same time, Frida Kahlo doubled her unique art world with a fascinating and dramatic biography, marked by sickness, despair, unhappiness and especially pain. During the last few years several prestigious museums and galleries all around the world have held exhibitions dedicated to Frida Kahlo, ranging from retrospective to shows dedicated to one of the aspects of her works.
Also, curators have tried to present the life and personality of the painter, and the exhibition " Frida Kahlo Through the Lense of Nickolas Muray", hosted until September 30 by the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, US, is no exception. Gathering around 50 ptohographic portraits of Frida, made by Nickolas Muray - a rare and fortunate occasion when two important artists met - this show presents the artist in postures unknown before. Made between 1937 - 1941, in Muray's personal perspective, it captures moments from Frida's life, chosen by the man who was her friend, lover and confident.
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The media and materials used at that time by Muray create a pleasant and original effect, the color photos having an almost painted image, very pleasant to look at, combining the vintage look and intensity of nuances. After close examination, the portraits taken by Muray seem to be influenced to some degree by Frida's famous selfportraits. Also, the artist often wears the traditional clothing she made famous, heavily ornamented and embroidered, a symbol of her love and fascination for her Mexican origin.
These photos were unknown to the public for decades, as Muray, keen to protect the memory of his relationship, chose to keep them away from curious eyes. This real treasure was rediscovered only in 1993, when the negatives were found by Mimi Muray Levitt, Muray's daughter, in a forgotten trunk. She chose to develop them and afterwards they were presented on several occasions, but the exhibition at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is one of the few times that they are reunited.
Photo : csfineartscenter.org
2007-07-23
