Episode 11: Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in Detroit (Part 2): On the Border - 1932
“Self-Portrait on the Borderline Between Mexico and the United States”, by Frida Kahlo. Oil paint on tin, 1932.
In this 2 part series, Stephanie Dueñas and Russell Shoemaker discuss Frida Kahlo’s and Diego Rivera’s time in Detroit, Michigan - a moment in time that proved to be a turning point in both of their artistic careers as well as their personal lives.
“A ribbon around a bomb” was the expression Andre Breton used to describe Frida Kahlo’s work. This episode explores the inner workings of said bomb: Frida’s chronic pain, sudden loss and heartbreak, combined with the disillusionment of the USA during her time in Detroit. All the while, she’s soaking in everything and discovering she is a woman of complex identities, leading us to “Self-Portrait on the Borderline Between Mexico and the United States”.
Our Art Pantry of the week is Metal (Painting).
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“The Accident”, 1926 drawing by Frida Kahlo depicting the horrific bus accident from the previous year that altered the course of her life.
“Frida and the Cesarean (Unfinished)” 1931, oil on canvas.
Diego and Frida in San Francisco, 1931.
Study for “Portrait of Luther Burbank”, by Frida Kahlo, 1931.
Study for “Portrait of Luther Burbank”, by Frida Kahlo, 1931. Oil on masonite.
Edsel Ford (left), Frida Kahlo, William Valentiner, and Diego Rivera in Detroit, 1932.
Diego was inspired to paint this baby in the womb after Frida suffered her miscarriage, Detail from “Detroit Industry Murals”, East Wall, 1932-33.
Frida painting “Self-Portrait on the Borderline…” in front of Diego’s Detroit Industry murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts, 1932.
Frida somewhere near the border in Texas, 1932. Taken by Lucienne Bloch.
Study for “Henry Ford Hospital”, 1932 by Frida Kahlo.
“Henry Ford Hospital,” by Frida Kahlo. Oil painting on copper, 1932.
“Self-Portrait on the Borderline Between Mexico and the United States” by Frida Kahlo, 1932. Oil painting on tin.
Frida Painting “Self-Portrait on the Border…” in front of Diego’s Detroit Industry murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts, 1932.
Frida and her plaster corset featuring the hammer & sickle, and a fetus, c. 1940
Portrait of Frida by her close friend and Diego’s assistant, Lucienne Bloch. 1932.
“(Original Title) Peace On Earth so the Marxist Science may Save the Sick and Those Oppressed by Criminal Yankee Capitalism”, by Frida Kahlo. Oil on masonite, 1954.
Mexico City Ford Factory, 1932.
Mural of Frida on a loft building somewhere in San Francisco, California, USA.
Reposado Tequila brand using Frida’s face for sale$
