Artful Kitchens

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Frida, Diego and Their Kitchen

There’s new exhibit in town and I’m excited!   Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection & 20th Century Mexican Art from The Stanley and Pearl Goodman Collection  opened Wednesday at the NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale. Frida Kahlo's self-portrait "Diego En Mis Pensamientos" (Diego On My Mind) Frida Kahlo and husband Diego Rivera are arguably the most well known twentieth century Latin American artists.  This exhibit draws on their popularity to introduce us to some other names in Mexican art we should know.  These include Lenora Carrington (1917-2011), Gerhard Gerzso (1915-2000), José Clemente Orozco (1883-1949) and many more.   Works on show consist of paintings, sculptures, photographs and works on paper.  The exhibit runs through May 31st.  I am planning on going on March 27th  when Kahlo scholar Dr. Salomon Grimberg will be speaking on Frida Kahlo: The Still Lifes-But let's talk about the kitchen! Frida at her easel from here. There are many published photos of Frida's kitchen which got me to wondering what it would look like today.  Wouldn't it be great to have her essence around when you're making enchiladas? What are the elements you could include to give you that vibe?gallery_couple_5 Frida learned to cook for Diego, oddly enough, from Diego's previous wife! She became an accomplished cook but also spent leisurely mornings in the kitchen reading the newspaper with Diego. 

 This kitchen is located in La Casa Azul, a home Frida was born in and continued to return to throughout her turbulent life. You can tour it if you find yourself in Coyoacán, Mexico City. Check out this  article if you'd like to know more. A kitchen with "Frida elements"The rustic simplicity, white walls, high ceilings, windows and use of rustic materials make me think of Kahlo.FridaKitchen2 In this fantasy kitchen  I used bright colors with a few contemporary twists in homage to the Mexican diva.  Design elements of a "Frida kitchen" include the following:-Liberal use of tile-Open shelf storage-Bright colors-White walls-Rustic wood-Lots of light!If you've never seen the movie Frida, don't stop, click here immediately and get it!! Today I leave you with my favorite scene from the movie.  I must warn you it's hot, steamy and not for the feint of heart.  Consider yourself warned and enjoy ;) Happy Friday and have a fantastic weekend.