Come face to face with one of the twentieth century’s most recognisable cultural icons in an international exhibition touring to Tāmaki Makaurau this spring. Through Frida Kahlo’s paintings and drawings, the work of her lover, Diego Rivera, and leading artists in their circle, discover an extraordinary story of art, love and life.
From Frida’s inward exploration of personal identity to Diego’s outward interest in national character, learn why – despite very different artistic styles – the pair became two of Mexico’s most celebrated and inspiring personalities. Through more than 150 artworks, including Frida’s self-portraits and Diego’s paintings of Mexican life, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera reveals how the artists played a crucial role in defining a new art following the Mexican Revolution.
Taking in Frida and Diego’s wider social and artistic circles, the exhibition includes the work of muralists David Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo and María Izquierdo, whose star rivalled Frida’s own during their lifetimes. A large collection of photography on display reveals mid-century Mexican life through the lenses of Lola Álvarez Bravo, Manuel Álvarez Bravo and Nickolas Muray, while authentic Oaxaca garments reflect Mexico’s indigenous culture.
Discover a heart-stopping and New Zealand-exclusive show inspired by one of art’s most renowned, tempestuous and passionate relationships.
About the exhibition partners
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: Art and Life in Modern Mexico presents artworks from the collection of film producer Jacques Gelman and his wife, Natasha, a model for both Frida and Diego. Arriving in Mexico in the 1940s, the Gelmans began collecting and commissioning work by the country’s leading painters, establishing friendships with the artists, commissioning portraits for the walls of their home and building one of the finest private collections of Mexican modernism today.
The exhibition is organised by the Vergel Foundation and MondoMostre in collaboration with the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura. It is proudly supported by Craigs, AUT, as well as Omnigraphics, with special thanks to the Auckland Art Gallery Foundation.
