The sun shone brightly over Dallas, Texas on Saturday, July 6th, as the PDNB Gallery prepared to celebrate the 117th birthday of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Known for its dedication to photo-based art, Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery (PDNB) has been a cornerstone of the Dallas, Texas art scene since 1995. This year, the gallery honored Kahlo, one of the most iconic figures in art history, with an event that resonated deeply with attendees, blending education, nostalgia, and visual splendor.
A Tribute by Salomon Grimberg
The celebration kicked off with an enlightening lecture and book signing by Salomon Grimberg, a leading biographer and expert on Frida Kahlo. Dr. Grimberg's connection to Kahlo is both academic and personal, adding layers of authenticity to his presentation. He shared stories from his uncle, the surgeon who amputated Kahlo’s leg in 1953, and recounted how these tales of resilience and artistry ignited his lifelong fascination with her. Dr. Grimberg's educational talk enthralled the audience, who hung on every word as he vividly depicted Kahlo's tumultuous yet inspiring life and her art.
The heart of the celebration was the exhibition "Portraits of Frida," featuring extraordinary photographs by Lucienne Bloch and Nickolas Muray.
Lucienne Bloch, born in Geneva in 1909, met Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in 1932 while working on a mural project at the Detroit Institute of Art. This project marked the beginning of a deep friendship between the artists. Bloch’s photographs capture intimate and candid moments, providing a rare glimpse into Kahlo’s life. Her portraits from Detroit reflect the mutual respect and camaraderie that characterized their relationship, showcasing a side of Kahlo that is both tender and profoundly human.
Nickolas Muray, born in Hungary in 1892, was a celebrated commercial photographer and two-time Olympic fencer. Known for his pioneering work in color photography, Muray met Kahlo through mutual friend Miguel Covarrubias. Their decade-long romance resulted in some of the most iconic photographic portraits of Kahlo. Muray’s masterful use of the three-color carbon printing process brought vibrant, lifelike qualities to his photographs, immortalizing Kahlo’s unique beauty and spirit.
The exhibition "Portraits of Frida by Lucienne Bloch and Nickolas Muray," on view at PDNB Gallery through August 17, 2024, offers a rich visual narrative of Kahlo’s life. It showcases her strength, vulnerability, and artistic genius. These photographs not only celebrate Kahlo as an artist but also as a friend, lover, and muse. Visitors can experience the multifaceted nature of her personality and the profound impact she had on those around her.
A Timeless Celebration
Frida Kahlo—master painter, creative icon, and unconventional beauty—has been superbly captured through the lenses of Lucienne Bloch and Nickolas Muray. Their photographs, coupled with Salomon Grimberg’s insightful lecture, provide a comprehensive tribute to Kahlo’s enduring legacy. The reissue of the classic volume "I Will Never Forget You," featuring over 50 portraits of Kahlo, further enriches this celebration. The book, accompanied by archival letters and photographs, tells the story of Kahlo and Muray's touching relationship, making it a unique celebration of one of the 20th century's most beloved artists.
PDNB Gallery’s homage to Frida Kahlo is a testament to her lasting influence and the timeless power of art. This celebration not only honors her memory but also inspires new generations to appreciate and explore the depth of her work and the stories behind it. For art enthusiasts and admirers of Kahlo, this exhibition is a must-see, offering a rare and intimate look at the life of a true artistic legend.
The day at PDNB was not just a tribute to an artist but a heartfelt homage to a Latina woman who, through her art and spirit, continues to touch souls and ignite passions. In every photograph, in every story told, Frida Kahlo’s legacy shone brightly, reminding all who attended of the transformative power of creativity and resilience.