ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.- The Dalí Museum invites visitors to delve into the lives of one of the most fascinating – and tumultuous – couples in the history of art. Mexican artists Diego Rivera (1886-1957) and Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) were married, divorced and remarried, and their relationship was fraught with both conflict and deep affection. Diego & Frida: A Visual History is on view from Sept. 5, 2020-Jan. 3, 2021.
More than 60 reproductions of rare historical photographs offer a personal look into the vibrant world of Rivera and Kahlo’s rich and harrowing 25-year relationship. The images, captured by their friends and family including Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Nickolas Muray, Edward Weston, Guillermo Kahlo and others, showcase their upbringing, family histories, professional careers and more, culminating with the last known photograph of the couple.
“It is fascinating to see the lives of artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo through the discerning eyes of their close family and friends,” said Curator of Education and exhibition curator Peter Tush. “This visual documentary serves as an extension of the publicly acclaimed Frida Kahlo at The Dalí exhibit in 2017. We see the couple’s rich journey together as they became icons of the difficult changes in 20th century culture.”
Their individual artistic talents and powerful union helped Rivera and Kahlo become prominent figures of the time and one of the most provocative and recognized couples in the world of art. Rivera was known for his large-scale murals that ushered in a new era of fresco painting in Latin America; Kahlo for her colorful and intense self-portraits. While Rivera’s fame was established during his life, Kahlo became most famous after her death, as her life story of injury, illness and her struggle with alcohol and drugs found a receptive audience.
Diego & Frida: A Visual History is on display in the Raymond James Community Room. This exhibit is on loan from The Consulate of Mexico in Orlando and is made possible by the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo.
