I had the pleasure of viewing the new exhibition at the DMA focusing on 50 years of Mexican artists. The big names of course drew ins the crowds including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Jose Clemente Orozco. I was myself waiting to see Las Dos Fridas after failed attempts to see her work during my trip to Mexico. I was not disappointed. I didn't quite know what to expect, but I was surprised to the see the breadth of work as well as the diversity of subject matter from the fruit seller to the revolutionary. I was delighted, and saddened, and motivated by so many works, that I was immediately sorry that I hadn't delved further into Mexican artists before.
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The Fruit Vendor - Olga Costa |
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Portrait of Guadalupe Marin de Rivera - Amado de la Cueva |
I found many new favorites to follow in this exhibition and I appreciate how much of a learning experience it was for me. It made me truly proud.
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Project for a Monument to the Birth of Venus - Juan O'Gorman |
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Mexican Adam & Eve - Alfredo Ramos Martinez |
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Indian Woman from Oaxaca - Ramon Cano Manilla |
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Woman with Pitcher - Jean Charlot |
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Me posing with "Las Dos Fridas" by Frida Kahlo |
I saved Frida for last because I knew I wanted to take my time. I also wanted a moment to pose in front of it. Afterward I took a moment admire the grand size of it, and to take in the fact that I was standing in front of a work of art she made herself. That she stood in front of herself once upon a time. And for a moment perhaps feel her presence. I left its side, to leave the exhibition and tears welled up in my eyes. I became a little self conscious that people would stare at me. But I was too proud to stop, or perhaps I was too happy to have had this experience.