Get ready for the ultimate fiesta of art and culture as London's iconic Tate Modern prepares to unveil its major summer extravaganza dedicated to the incomparable Frida Kahlo. A crack team from the gallery has been on a mission to Mexico City, tracing Kahlo's footsteps in her beloved homeland, immersing themselves in the vibrant cultural landscape that inspired her masterpieces and continues to fuel our fascination with her legacy. And what a show it promises to be – 'Frida: The Making of an Icon' will feature over 30 of her signature pieces, guaranteed to electrify audiences and cement Kahlo's status as an icon.
As part of this artistic odyssey, the team discovered the culinary delights that have captivated foodies and art lovers alike. Federico Valdez, a talented chef at the School of Mexican Cuisine, crafted a three-course feast inspired by Kahlo's life, art, and relationships – including her passionate affair with her own sexuality. The menu was a love letter to Kahlo's spirit: 'Revolutionary Bites', a starter paying homage to her childhood fascination with revolution, arrived as a Mexican twist on pirozhki; the main course, 'Frida Against the World', a sumptuous stuffed chilli dish served with pulque, an agave drink she adored, took centre stage.
The Tate exhibition, masterfully curated by Tobias Ostrander, is set to present Kahlo's remarkable story like a cinematic blockbuster – with her as the star of the show. But it won't just be about her; we'll delve into the people who surrounded her, and the profound impact she had on generations of artists and art lovers alike. Among the featured works will be 'Self Portrait With Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird', painted in 1940 after her divorce from Diego Rivera – a poignant testament to Kahlo's unyielding spirit.
A highlight of the exhibition will be the display of Kahlo's treasured personal possessions, including those stunning Tehuana dresses that radiated her vibrant personality. We'll also be treated to poignant photographs by Graciela Iturbide, taken 50 years after Kahlo's passing, showcasing her crutches, customised medical corsets, and prosthetic leg – all previously locked away in a bathroom at Casa Azul.
Casa Azul, the family home where Kahlo was born and spent most of her life, is now a museum that whisks visitors on a tour through lush gardens adorned with plants and pre-Hispanic artefacts collected by the couple. Perla Labarthe Álvarez, the museum director, reveals that while the exact origin of the striking blue exterior walls remains a mystery, Kahlo's diaries speak volumes about their significance – purity, electricity, and love. It was here, surrounded by beauty and artistry, that Kahlo created many of her still lifes, referring to it as 'A Place Full of Places'.