The rich and colorful life of Frida Kahlo is revealed in “The Complete Frida Kahlo: Her Paintings. Her Life. Her Story. The Exhibition,” which is making its U.S. premiere in San Diego from Oct. 24 through Jan. 10 at Liberty Station. The opening, which was originally planned for Oct. 19, was delayed because of complications at U.S. Customs in Los Angeles as a result of the government shutdown. The exhibition was shipped from the Kunstmuseum Gehrke-Remund in Baden-Baden, Germany, where it was originally curated.This is the only exhibition worldwide where all of her paintings can be seen in one place. Some paintings, especially from Kahlo’s early years, have never before been seen.
Presented by Global Entertainment Properties 1, LLC, (GEP1) the exhibition features 123 replicas of her known paintings in original size and original materials, and handpainted in the same style as Kahlo painted them. These replicas, owned by GEP1, are painted by master artists and licensed by ©Banco de Mexico Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Museums Trust/VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2008.??
The exhibition is co-curated by Dr. Mariella Remund and Hans-Jürgen Gehrke, passionate art lovers and collectors, and founders of the Kunstmuseum Gehrke-Remund in Baden-Baden, Germany, the city where Kahlo’s father spent his youth before emigrating to Mexico. Their vision for this exhibition was to not only touch the eyes and minds of the visitors, but above all, their hearts.
“Working with the talented and knowledgeable team from the Kunstmuseum Gehrke-Remund will allow us to bring an exhibition that represents the largest and most complete Frida Kahlo collection ever assembled to audiences for the first time,” said Martin Biallas, CEO of GEP1. “Now, visitors will be able to see every aspect of her life through this extensive collection of paintings, artifacts and photographs.”
According to Gehrke, “The exhibition is about more than just her paintings; it’s about gaining an understanding and appreciation of her life, her contributions to the world of art, her ideas on love and relationships, as well as her views on politics.” Also on display are over 500 fascinating possessions — jewelry, dresses and adornments identical to those Kahlo surrounded herself with, coming from the collection of the Kunstmuseum Gehrke-Remund in Germany. All are handmade using traditional methods, materials and tools. There is also a substantial collection of photos of Kahlo, her family and friends in her work and life environments and a large collection of pre-Colombian through present-day Mexican folk art, which held a position of great importance in her and husband Diego Rivera’s lives.
Among the photos, the most admired is the stunning portrait of Kahlo taken by Nickolas Muray in 1939. This photograph, “Frida in Blue Dress,” is a limited edition of a portrait of Kahlo taken by Muray during their 10-year romantic relationship.
Born in Coyoacan, Mexico City, in 1907, Kahlo became revered as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Through her art she championed the Mexican culture and became an icon in art, fashion, women’s issues and politicals. Her striking images, tumultuous relationships, passionate and tragic life story continue to captivate a constantly growing worldwide following.
The exhibition is on display in historic Barracks 3 at the NTC Arts & Culture District in Liberty Station, 2765 Truxtun Road, 92106. Audio guides are available in English and Spanish. Tickets go on sale Oct. 3 and are available online and at the door; they range from $12.50 to $16.50. The exhibition is open from Tuesdays through Sundays. Details can be found at www.thecompletefrida.com.
— Contribution