Cuckoo for Kahlo

Wine reception, packed lectures precede exhibit opening

The night before “Photographing Frida: Portraits of Frida Kahlo” opened to the public at the Arkansas Arts Center, guests gathered Jan. 31 for a wine reception in the lobby and a sold-out lecture.

The new exhibit features 65 images exploring Kahlo’s life. Fashion historian Raissa Bretana’s lecture “Her Own Muse: Fashioning Frida” was based on the artist’s quotation: “I am my own muse. I am the subject I know best, the subject I want to know better.” Bretana spoke about the artist’s iconic image and how the artist “was the master in the art of image making” and how “she [Kahlo] herself was her own work of art.”

Bretana also spoke about the evolution of Kahlo’s clothing style, the symbolism in the traditional Mexican clothing she often chose to wear and Kahlo’s fashion legacy.

After the lecture, there was a reception and preview of the exhibition for Arts Center members.

The exhibit will be on display through April 14 and the museum plans a variety of programs and lectures to coincide with the exhibition.

Dudley Meadows, Lucy Sausen, Summer Khairi, and Miguel Lopez

Rana Edgar and guest lecturer Raissa Bretana

Alma Atilano with daughters Camila and Antonella

Roger Kordsmeier, Steve Miller-Watt and Andrew Darr

Meredith Catlett, Charlene Julian and Graham Catlett

Cindy and Clarke Huisman

Ginanne Long, Phyllis Barrier and Patty Waddell

Mia Long and Vone Nantharangsy

Caroline Baber and Pam Hathaway