Britany Wright/Asst. Features EditorUgliness transforms into beauty at the Philadelphia Art Museum’s exhibition of the Mexican-born artist Frida Kahlo. The exhibition is a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the artist. It will be spotlighted at the museum from Feb. 20 until May 18. Spanish classes under the direction of their Spanish professors attended the trip to the museum on March 27.
In a society where glamour rules fashion and some social situations, the paintings of Kahlo are refreshing.
The art of this decade can be seen in the media of glamorous shots of bleach blonde women with the typical low-cut shirt showing off their figures for the masses. The walls of the museum were aligned with self-portraits by Kahlo. This time the glamour transferred into uni-brows, hairy upper-lips and masculine featured women as a work of art.
The Spanish students entered the museum and received an all-day pass that allowed them entry into the Kahlo exhibit as well as the rest of the museum. After waiting in line to enter the exhibit, students were given a tape player by museum guides that provided them a self-guided tour of the works of the renowned artist.
Under self-direction in the exhibit, students could spend as much time as they wanted to review the paintings they have studied in class. There were self-portraits of Kahlo in the exhibit, still-lifes and photographs of Kahlo and friends.
Laura Goodfield, a junior biotechnology and Spanish major, said, “I found it interesting that the strongest pieces and the most emotional pieces were created from the parts of her life that were the most tumultuous.”
The self-guided tours give information about her life and why she created each painting.
For instance, she had been known to say, “I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best.” Unfortunately for Kahlo, she did not have much luck in her life with relationships and health.
A survivor of polio and a serious accident involving a bus, Kahlo used her art to overcome her obstacles. Later in life, the divorce of she and her husband, another famous Mexican painter, Diego Rivera, can be seen reflected in her works of art.
She also used her art as political messages. Through the symbolism that is generated in her paintings it does show the political message in a format that is easy for everyone to interpret.
Dr. Raquel Green, assistant Spanish professor, said, “I loved the exhibit because it gave a very personal glimpse on her life as a daughter, wife and friend. There were some natural pictures of her that were so beautiful when she wasn’t posing. I was touched by the strength and glow of her face.”
After the Kahlo exhibit students journeyed through the museum and explored the other works of art.
For additional information about tickets to the museum for the Frida Kahlo exhibit, solicitors can go to philamuseum.org.
