Is there anyone who isn’t a fan of Frida Kahlo? The iconic Mexican artist has seized the public imagination so thoroughly, today you can find everything from museum exhibits to puzzles, books, dolls, totes and even socks inspired by her. Here are five cool ways to explore that legacy.
1 Check out the de Young exhibit IRL
The reopening of San Francisco’s de Young Museum this fall means that the long-awaited “Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving” has opened at last. The exhibit, which includes paintings, photographs, clothing and other personal items, runs through Feb. 7. Timed tickets must be reserved ahead of time and capacity is limited. Find details at https://deyoung.famsf.org. Here’s what to expect inside.
2 Check it out virtually
The de Young’s Virtual Wednesdays series includes a virtual peek at the exhibit at 5 p.m. on Oct. 21 on the museum’s YouTube channel, and an author event on Nov. 18 with Celia Stahr and her book, “Frida in America” (St. Martin’s Press, $30). Read the book beforehand — it’s available from the museum gift shop and bookstores — and you can submit questions to publicprograms@famsf.org. Find details at https://deyoung.famsf.org/virtual-wednesdays.
3 Make an art journal
Imagine an art project in book form, a collage-meets-journal love child. That’s an art journal. And inside those pages, anything goes. You can recount travel memories, explore life paths or be inspired by mixed media artist Jesse Petersen, who used an art journal to pay homage to Kahlo. Check out her tutorial and download the free Frida Kahlo outline template at www.letsmakeart.com/pages/frida-collage-art-journaling-project.
4 Virtually tour Casa Azul
You can’t visit Mexico City right now, of course, but the Google Arts & Culture site can whisk you away to Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s vivid blue house — virtually. You can stroll the courtyard, wander inside her home, check out the decor and peek at her paints and easel, all with a click of the mouse.
5 Read more
Kahlo has been the subject of scores of books — about her life, her art and her husband, Diego Rivera. One fun one to check out is “Women in Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World” (Ten Speed Press, $17) by Rachel Ignotofsky. It’s aimed at middle schoolers and teens, but its charming illustrations, timelines and discussion of fascinating artists and museum representation should delight and enlighten adults, as well.
