This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Frida Kahlo's impact around the world as an icon, an artist, a Mexican and a woman doesn't seem to end. A new art exhibition in Salt Lake City proves that Utah is no exception.
"The timing is perfect. So many people connect with her," says Susan Vogel, a writer and member of Artes de Mexico en Utah. "She is so powerful and important to so many people."
Vogel adds that female fans, in particular, seem influenced by the painter's individuality, the way she created who she became. "They often talk about how she inspired them in difficult times."
A five-week-long celebration, "Viva Frida," kicks off Friday, Sept. 16 with exhibitions at Salt Lake's Main Library, Art Access Gallery and the Mestizo Coffeehouse Gallery. The exhibits, activities and lectures will chronicle Kahlo's life, and address how art and artists, including Kahlo and husband Diego Rivera, united a revolution-shattered Mexico in the early 20th century.
Vogel points to several personal connections between Frida and Utahns. Salt Lake resident Tina Misrachi Martin is the daughter of muralist Rivera's art dealer. And Pablo O'Higgins, who grew up in Salt Lake City as Paul Higgins, was an assistant to Diego Rivera. (Vogel wrote a recently published biography of O'Higgins.)
Mimi Muray Levitt, of Salt Lake City, is the daughter of Nickolas Muray, who captured the now-iconic photographs of Kahlo. And then there's Joseph Hansen, a Richfield native who was the secretary to Leon Trotsky during his exile in Mexico.
"Mexico is much more than what we read in the press today," says Bernardo Flores-Sahagun, a board member of Artes de Mexico en Utah. "The traditions of Frida and other artists of her time are very powerful. The art of Frida Kahlo inspires people to be creative and enriches our community."
Vogel points out that when the pioneers entered Utah in 1847, it was still part of Mexico, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began establishing missions to Mexico in the late 19th century.
She acknowledges the Kahlo exhibition comes during a tumultuous time in the relations between Utah and Mexico. Battles over immigration have rocked the political structure in Utah and throughout the Southwest.
"This has been a difficult year in Utah," Vogel says. "The legislative session brought out what appeared to be differences [between Utahns and Mexicans]. But I don't think the community feels that way. We have a huge community that enjoys and celebrates Latino culture. People can be arguing in the press and on the Hill, but a majority of Utahns really value what the Latino community offers the state."
Kahlo exhibits
When • Exhibits continue through Oct. 20.
Exhibits • "Viva Frida!" Salt Lake City Main Library Atrium; Nickolas Muray's photographs of Frida, Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, and Mestizo Coffeehouse, 631 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City. Also, "How Painting Saved Frida's Life," at Art Access Gallery, 230 S. 500 West, Salt Lake City.
Info • http://www.vivafridautah.org