I long been fascinated with the somewhat tragic life of Frida Kahlo and, I was happy to learn about this new book now available in paperback by Other Press. (released September 7, 2021.)
This intimate account offers a new, unexpected understanding of the artist’s work and of the vibrant 1930s surrealist scene.
(about the book)
In 1938, just as she was leaving Mexico for her first solo exhibition in New York, Frida Kahlo was devastated to learn from her husband, Diego Rivera, that he intended to divorce her. This latest blow followed a long series of betrayals, most painful of all his affair with her beloved younger sister, Cristina, in 1934. In early 1939, anxious and adrift, Kahlo traveled from the United States to France—her only trip to Europe, and the beginning of a unique period of her life when she was enjoying success on her own.
Now, for the first time, this previously overlooked part of her story is brought to light in exquisite detail. Marc Petitjean takes the reader to Paris, where Kahlo spends her days alongside luminaries such as Pablo Picasso, André Breton, Dora Maar, and Marcel Duchamp.
Using Kahlo’s whirlwind romance with the author’s father, Michel Petitjean, as a jumping-off point, The Heart: Frida Kahlo in Paris provides a striking portrait of the artist and an inside look at the history of one of her most powerful, enigmatic paintings.
I love her art. One of my favorite visits to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts was to an exhibit of her work with my daughters when they were both teenagers. We were all greatly moved by the paintings and became lifelong fans of hers. She had, in many ways, a tragic life but she made lemonade of the lemons she was given.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see an exhibit of her collection. My daughter fell in love with her art as a teen. Some is so dark and haunting. I loved the movie about her and have read several different books about her life as well.
DeleteI wonder if I could find a copy of this one. I'd love to read it next July. Kahlo is a person that intrigues me.
ReplyDeleteI suspect some of the libraries may have it or have ordered it.
DeleteThat's a really cool find!
ReplyDeleteI think so too Brian. I was thrilled to get a copy.
DeleteI'm looking forward to reading it as well.
ReplyDeleteI find Kahlo fascinating, but didn't realize she spent time in Paris. This book sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI have to get my hands on this book. I visited her house in Mexico many years ago and have been fascinated by her art ever since. Thank you for the spotlight on this one!
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