One of the most anticipated exhibitions of the fall season is Frida Kahlo-Beyond Appearances. What sets this apart from past Frida Kahlo’s exhibitions is instead of displaying her art, it contains over 200 personal items from her former home in Mexico, Casa Azul, including clothing, fashion accessories, correspondences, cosmetics, medicines, and orthopedic aids, which were sealed for over 60 years by her husband Diego Rivera and finally released in 2004.
With such great promise for a fascinating look into the world of Frida Kahlo, there’s a critical fault in the way the objects are displayed. The exhibition starts on the lower level of the museum, and about half of the items are crammed into a narrow, winding hallway that barely fits two people side by side, making it almost impossible for more than one person to view things at a time. In addition, the lighting was dim, making it even more difficult to see things. Even though I have been a Parisian for over 17 years, my impatient New York ways still follow me after all these years, and after about 10 minutes of waiting for a single person to view something, I passed on this part of the show, and went on to the more expansive rooms that showed her folk dresses, tiered in vibrant colors, and her accessories. Upstairs on the main floor, the next part of the show showcased the designs of major fashion houses and designers that were either references to Frida Kahlo’s style, or inspired by her.
September 15, 2022 to March 5, 2023
Palais Galliera
10 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75116
https://www.palaisgalliera.paris.fr/en/exhibitions/frida-kahlo-au-dela-des-apparences
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