Frida Kahlo continues to captivate people through her paintings, flamboyant style, and unconventional relationships at Casa Azul.
Portrait of Frida by Roberto Montenegro, 1936. Seen inside Casa Azul.
The month of March was devoted to Frida Kahlo, at least for me. Rollins College offers interesting classes to people over fifty. One in particular caught my eye. Every Wednesday for one and a half hours our professor, Adrienne Lee, shared her enthusiastic lecture on this fascinating Mexican artist.
Also during March, I found myself traveling to New York and México City. At the Brooklyn Museum, I saw Frida Kahlo, Appearances Can Be Deceiving. The lengthy show includes personal photographs and paintings, but the star of the show is her clothing.
Tickets sell out quickly so consider joining the museum. Members are allowed special entrance.
Frida fans line up at the museum’s entry all day waiting to enter the home of México’s famous artist.
Casa Azul is full of creative flourishes giving visitors a taste of the artist’s life.
A trip to México City requires a trip to Casa Azul in Coyoacán. Due to a strike the museum was closed during my last visit to CDMX. What a disappointment. Finally, twenty-five years later I made it inside.
The striking blue of this small pool interrupted only by the white conch shell inside.
Casa Azul’s indoor/outdoor design was perfectly suited to México’s temperate climate. The exotic plants add to the bohemian atmosphere. The house was spacious but perfectly scaled. My favorite rooms were the kitchen, studio, and the intimate seating area.
Wonderful old Mexican glass and pottery fills the numerous plate racks around the dining room.
The intimate seating area near the kitchen featured a variety of animals, one real, the rest art.
Frida’s studio.
Her personalized albums rest inside the bookcases.
Frida’s unique style has inspired fashionistas for years.
Frida’s signature jade necklaces.
Stunning details and mix of colors.
A temporary exhibit at Casa Azul featured her clothing and personal items. The embroidery and colors of her rebozos, huipils, and skirts were striking. A few cases housed some of her jewelry. Fortunately, one can take photos at Casa Azul for a small fee. Worth every penny.
Frida’s Tehuana clothing.
The Brooklyn Museum does not allow photography. Before realizing this rule I took a few photos inside the show.
One of Frida’s two beds. This bed was for night use.
Framed butterflies hang under the canopy for her viewing pleasure. Her daytime bed held a mirror so she could look up to paint her reflection.
Casa V Interiors can bring bohemian glamour to your home.